Articulation assembly for a surgical device

Abstract

A surgical device includes an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly pivotably supported on the elongate body about an articulation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, and an articulation assembly for selectively articulating the tool assembly about the articulation axis. The articulation assembly includes an articulation lever and a locking member for retaining the articulation mechanism and the tool assembly in a selected non-articulated or articulated position. The articulation lever is rotatable to move the tool assembly between the non-articulated and the articulated positions. The locking member is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position without rotating the articulation lever.

Description

ARTICULATION ASSEMBLY FOR A SURGICAL DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 667,871, filed July 5, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure is generally related to surgical devices for endoscopic use and, more particularly, to surgical devices including articulation mechanisms for articulating tool assemblies.BACKGROUND

[0003] Various types of surgical devices used to endoscopically treat tissue are known in the art, and are commonly used, for example, for closure of tissue or organs in transection, resection, and anastomoses procedures, for occlusion of organs in thoracic and abdominal procedures, and for electrosurgically fusing or sealing tissue.

[0004] During laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical procedures, access to a surgical site is achieved through a small incision or through a narrow cannula inserted through a small entrance wound in a patient. Because of limited area available to access a surgical site, many endoscopic devices include articulation mechanisms for articulating a tool assembly of the surgical device in relation to a body portion of the surgical device about an articulation axis that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the surgical device. Typically, the articulation mechanism includes a biasing member that is positioned to releasably lock the tool assembly in a desired articulated or non-articulated position.

[0005] Typically, articulation mechanisms for articulating a tool assembly of a surgical device include a lever that can be manipulated to articulate the tool assembly about the articulation axis. When the articulation mechanism is actuated, the lever must be rotated with a force sufficient to overcome the force of the biasing member before articulation of the tool assembly can occur. This increases the forces that must be applied by a clinician to articulate the tool assembly during a surgical procedure.

[0006] A continuing need exists in the art for a surgical device having an articulating mechanism that can be operated with minimal force.SUMMARY

[0007] This disclosure is directed to a surgical device including an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly pivotably supported on the elongate body about anarticulation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, and an articulation assembly for selectively articulating the tool assembly about the articulation axis. The articulation assembly includes an articulation lever and a locking member for retaining the articulation mechanism and the tool assembly in a selected non-articulated or articulated position. The articulation lever is rotatable to move the tool assembly between the non-articulated and the articulated positions. The locking member is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position without rotating the articulation lever.

[0008] Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a surgical device including a handle assembly, an elongate body, a tool assembly, and an articulation mechanism. The elongate body defines a first longitudinal axis and has a proximal portion coupled to the handle assembly and a distal portion. The tool assembly defines a second longitudinal axis and is coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body by a pivot member. The pivot member defines an articulation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation member, a drive shaft, an index plate, a locking member, a connecting member, a coupler, and an articulation link. The drive shaft defines a shaft axis and has a first end secured to the articulation member and a second end secured to the index plate. The index plate supports the connecting member, and the connecting member is engaged with the coupler. The articulation member is rotatable about the shaft axis to cause corresponding rotation of the index plate to effect longitudinal movement of the coupler. The articulation link has a proximal portion engaged with the coupler and a distal end engaged with the tool assembly such that longitudinal movement of the coupler causes longitudinal movement of the articulation link to move the tool assembly between the non-articulated and articulated positions. The locking member is movable from a locked position engaged with the index plate to an unlocked position in response to movement of the drive shaft from a first position to a second position along the shaft axis.

[0009] In aspects of the disclosure, the surgical device includes a first spring that is positioned to urge the locking member towards the locked position.

[0010] In some aspects of the disclosure, the index plate defines an annular array of openings, and the locking member includes posts that are received within openings of the annular array of openings when the locking member is in the locked position.

[0011] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the locking member includes a body that supports the posts and defines a semi-circular slot, and the connecting member extends from the index plate through the semi-circular slot.

[0012] In aspects of the disclosure, each opening of the annular array of openings includes a chamfered wall that defines one end of the opening, and the chamfered wall is configured to guide a respective post into one of the openings of the annular array of openings.

[0013] In some aspects of the disclosure, the surgical device includes a second spring that is positioned to urge the drive shaft towards the first position.

[0014] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the surgical device includes a rotation knob that is supported about the proximal portion of the elongate body and rotatably coupled to the handle assembly.

[0015] In aspects of the disclosure, the rotation knob is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis to rotate the elongate body and the tool assembly about the first longitudinal axis.

[0016] In some aspects of the disclosure, the articulation mechanism is supported on the rotation knob.

[0017] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the rotation knob includes a cylindrical housing that defines an internal bore, and the drive shaft and the index plate are received within the internal bore.

[0018] In aspects of the disclosure, the surgical device includes a cover that is positioned on the cylindrical housing of the rotation knob above the internal bore, and the cover defines a through bore that receives the drive shaft.

[0019] In some aspects of the disclosure, the articulation mechanism includes a spring that is positioned between the cover and the articulation member to urge the drive shaft towards the first position.

[0020] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the articulation mechanism includes a spring that is positioned between the stopper or locking member and the rotation knob to urge the locking member towards the locked position.

[0021] Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to an articulation mechanism including an articulation member, a drive shaft, an index plate, a locking member, a connecting member, and a coupler. The drive shaft defines a shaft axis and has a first end secured to the articulation member and a second end secured to the index plate. The index plate supports the connecting member, and the connecting member is engaged with the coupler. The articulation member is rotatable about the shaft axis to cause corresponding rotation of the index plate to effect longitudinal movement of the coupler. The locking member is movable from a locked position engaged with the index plate to an unlocked position in response to movement of the drive shaft from a first position to a second position along the shaft axis.

[0022] Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to an articulation mechanism including an articulation member, a drive shaft, an index plate, and a locking member. The drive shaft defines a shaft axis and has a first end secured to the articulation member and a second end secured to the index plate. The articulation member is rotatable about the shaft axis to cause corresponding rotation of the index plate, and the locking member is movable from a locked position engaged with the index plate to an unlocked position in response to movement of the drive shaft from a first position to a second position along the shaft axis.

[0023] Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Various aspects of this disclosure are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a surgical device according to aspects of the disclosure with the surgical device in a non-articulated, open position;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a top view of the surgical device shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0027] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 2;

[0028] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a rotation knob and articulation mechanism of the surgical device shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0029] FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of a cover of the articulation member shown in FIG. 4;

[0030] FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of an index plate of the articulation mechanism shown in FIG. 4;

[0031] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 4;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a top view of a proximal portion of an adapter assembly of the surgical device shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the rotation knob and the articulation mechanism with a lever of the articulation mechanism in a non-articulated position;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 6 with a bottom portion of the rotation knob removed and a stopper or locking member of the articulation mechanism in a raised or locked position;

[0034] FIG. 8 is bottom view of the rotation knob and the articulation mechanism shown in FIG. 6 with a lever of the articulation mechanism shown in phantom and the bottom portion of the rotation knob removed with the articulation mechanism in the non-articulated position;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken through the rotation knob and the articulation mechanism shown in FIG. 7 with the bottom portion of the rotation knob removed and the articulation mechanism in the non-articulated position with the stopper moved to a lowered or unlocked position;

[0037] FIG. 11 is bottom view of the rotation knob and the articulation mechanism shown in FIG. 10 with the bottom portion of the rotation knob removed, the stopper in the lowered or unlocked position, and the articulation mechanism in the ninety-degree articulated position;

[0038] FIG. 12 is a top view of the surgical device shown in FIG. 1 with the tool assembly articulated ninety degrees;

[0039] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 12.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken through the stopper of the articulation mechanism shown in FIG. 10 with the articulation mechanism in the ninety-degree articulated position and the stopper returned to the raised or locked position; and

[0041] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken through the rotation knob and the articulation mechanism shown in FIG. 14 with the bottom portion of the rotation knob removed and the articulation mechanism in a ninety-degree articulated position with the stopper moved to the raised or locked position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The disclosed surgical device including exemplary aspects of the disclosed articulation assembly will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that the aspects of the disclosure included herein are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0043] In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician during use of the device in its customary manner, while the term “distal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is farther from the clinician during use of the device in its customary manner. In addition, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, surgeons, and supportpersonnel. Further, directional terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, and similar terms are used to assist in understanding the description and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the term “substantially perpendicular” is understood to include configurations up to about + or - 10 degrees from true perpendicular.

[0044] This disclosure is directed to a surgical device including an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly pivotably supported on the elongate body about an articulation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, and an articulation assembly for selectively articulating the tool assembly about the articulation axis. The articulation assembly includes a rotatable articulation lever and a locking member for retaining the articulation mechanism and the tool assembly in a selected non-articulated or articulated position. The locking member is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position without rotating the articulation lever.

[0045] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a surgical device shown in the form of a surgical device 10, e.g., a stapling device, that includes a handle assembly 12, an elongate body or adapter assembly 14, and a tool assembly 16. As illustrated, the handle assembly 12 is manually actuated and includes a housing 18, a firing trigger 20, a rotation knob 22, and a retraction knob 24. The elongate body 14 defines a longitudinal axis “X” that extends distally from the handle assembly 12. The housing 18 of the handle assembly 12 defines a stationary handgrip 18a that is positioned adjacent to the firing trigger 20, and the firing trigger 20 is movable in relation to the stationary handgrip 18a through one or more actuation strokes to actuate various functions of the tool assembly 16 via the elongate body 14 including approximation, stapling, and cutting.

[0046] The handle assembly 12 includes a distal portion that supports the rotation knob 22 in a manner to facilitate rotation of the rotation knob 22 in relation to the housing 18 of the handle assembly 12. The rotation knob 22 supports the elongate body 14 such that rotation of the rotation knob 22 in relation to the handle assembly 12 rotates the elongate body 14 and the tool assembly 16 in relation to the handle assembly 12 about the longitudinal axis "X". The rotation knob 22 includes a body 24 that can be formed from a first body portion 24a and a second body portion 24b that are coupled together about the elongate body 14. The body 24 of the rotation knob 22 supports an articulation mechanism 100 that includes an articulation member or lever 102 that is supported on the rotation knob 22 and other components described below that are positioned within the body 24 of the rotation knob 22. In aspects of the disclosure, a proximal portion of the rotation knob 22 includes scallops or flutes 22a to facilitate engagement with a finger of a clinician. The articulation lever 102 is rotatable in relation to therotation knob 22 to articulate the tool assembly 16 about an articulation axis “Z” (FIG. 1) as described in further detail below. In aspects of the disclosure, the articulation lever 102 includes an elongate body 102a that defines a longitudinal axis that is aligned with the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body 14 when the articulation mechanism 100 is in a non-articulated position.

[0047] The tool assembly 16 defines a longitudinal axis "Y” that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body 14 when the tool assembly 16 is in a non-articulated position (FIG. 1) and offset from the longitudinal axis “X” when the tool assembly is in an articulated position (FIG. 14). The tool assembly 16 is pivotally coupled to the elongate body 14 about a pivot member 26 that defines the articulation axis “Z” to articulate the tool assembly 16 between the non-articulated position in which the longitudinal axes "X" and "Y" of the elongate body 14 and tool assembly 16 are aligned with each other (FIG. 1) and articulated positions in which the longitudinal axes "X" and "Y" of the elongate body 14 and tool assembly 16 are offset from each other (FIG. 14).

[0048] In aspects of the disclosure, the tool assembly 16 is a stapling device and includes an anvil 28 and a cartridge assembly 30. It is envisioned that the articulation assembly 100 could be incorporated into a variety of different endoscopic surgical devices including but not limited to clip appliers, ligation devices, vessel sealing devices, and graspers. In some aspects of the disclosure, the cartridge assembly 30 is pivotable in relation to the anvil 28 such that the tool assembly 16 can move between an open position (FIG. 1) and a clamped position (FIG. 14).

[0049] The elongate body 14 includes at least one articulation link 34 that extends from the articulation mechanism 100 to the tool assembly 16. In some aspects of the disclosure, the at least one articulation link(s) 34 has a proximal end 34a coupled to the articulation mechanism 100 and a distal end 34b coupled to the tool assembly 16 at a position offset from the longitudinal axis ‘Y” of the tool assembly 16. The articulation link 34 is linearly movable between retracted and advanced positions in response to actuation of the articulation mechanism 100 to articulate the tool assembly 16 about the articulation axis “Z” from the nonarticulated position (FIG. 1) to articulated positions. In some aspects of the disclosure, the tool assembly can be articulated over an arc of about one hundred eighty degrees, ninety degrees in each direction form the non-articulated position.

[0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the articulation mechanism 100 which includes the articulation lever 102, a drive shaft 104, a first spring 106, a cover 108, an index plate 110, aconnecting member 112, a locking member or stopper 114, a second spring 116, and a coupler 118. The first body portion 24a of the rotation knob 22 includes a cylindrical housing 40 that defines an internal bore 42 that is stepped and includes a first annular shoulder 44 and a second annular shoulder 46 that is spaced from the first annular shoulder 44. The internal bore 42 defines vertical cutouts 48 that are positioned about the internal bore 42 and extend through the first annular shoulder 44 to the second annular shoulder 46. In aspects of the disclosure, the first annular shoulder 44 includes protrusions 44a (FIG. 4) that engage the lower surface of the index plate 110 as described below.

[0051] The drive shaft 104 defines a shaft axis “M” (FIG. 7) and extends from the articulation lever 102 into the internal bore 42 of the rotation knob 22. In aspects of the disclosure, the drive shaft 104 is fixedly secured to the articulation lever 102 by a pin 120 that extends through openings 102a in the articulation lever 102 and through a bore 104a formed in the drive shaft 104. It is envisioned that other devices or techniques could be used to fixedly couple the drive shaft 104 to the articulation lever 102.

[0052] The cover 108 is fixedly secured to the cylindrical housing 40 of the rotation knob 22 to enclose the internal bore 42 of the rotation knob 22 and defines a cylindrical cavity 122 that is in juxtaposed relation to the articulation lever 102. The cylindrical cavity 122 includes an annular shoulder 124 and defines a through bore 126 that receives and allows passage of the drive shaft 104. The cover 108 also defines a semi-circular slot 128 that is positioned radially outwardly of the cylindrical cavity 122. The semi-circular slot 128 receives a protrusion (not shown) that extends from a bottom surface of the articulation lever 102 to limit the angular degree of rotation of the articulation lever 102 in relation to the cover 108. In some aspects of the disclosure, the semi-circular slot 128 extends along an arc of about 180 degrees although other arc lengths are envisioned. In aspects of the disclosure, the cover 108 includes downwardly extending tabs 130 (FIG. 4) that are received within recesses 50 (FIG. 4) defined within the cylindrical housing 40 of the rotation knob 22 to fixedly secure the cover 108 to the rotation knob 22. In some aspects of the disclosure, the cover 108 includes a bottom surface that includes protrusions 132 (FIG. 4A) that engage the upper surface of the index plate 110 as described below.

[0053] The first spring 106 of the articulation mechanism 100 is supported on the cover 108 between the articulation lever 102 and the annular shoulder 124 of the cover 108 to urge the articulation lever 102 and the drive shaft 104 upwardly as viewed in FIG. 7. In aspects ofthe disclosure, the first spring 106 is in the form of a wave spring but the use of other spring types is envisioned.

[0054] The index plate 110 is rotatably fixed to the drive shaft 104 and is supported on the first annular shoulder 44 of the cylindrical housing 40 of the rotation knob 22 between the first annular shoulder 44 of the cylindrical housing 40 and the cover 108. The index plate 110 includes a circular body 142 that defines a central through bore 144, a circular array of openings 146, an upper circular groove 148, a lower circular groove 148a (FIG. 4B), and an inner bore 150. In aspects of the disclosure, the inner bore 150 is positioned between the central through bore 144 and the circular array of openings 146. The central through bore 144 receives the drive shaft 104 to fixedly secure the drive shaft 104 to the index plate 110 such that rotation of the drive shaft 104 causes rotation of the index plate 110. In aspects of the disclosure, the drive shaft 104 defines grooves 152 that receive protrusions 154 (FIG. 5) formed in the index plate 110 to rotatably fix the drive shaft 104 to the index plate 110 but allow the drive shaft 104 to slide within the index plate 110 between raised and lowered positions. The circular groove 148 of the index plate 110 receives the protrusions 132 of the cover 108 and the circular groove 148a of the index plate 110 receives the protrusions 44a of the rotation knob 22 to guide and support the index plate 110 as the index plate 110 rotates with the articulation lever 102 and the drive shaft 104 in relation to the cover 108. The openings 146 extend through the index plate 110 and are spaced from each other about the central through bore 144. The openings 146 are positioned to interact with the stopper 114 as described below to retain the articulation lever 102 in a fixed rotary position. The connecting member 112 has a first end that is fixedly received within the inner bore 150 of the index plate 110 and a second end that extends downwardly from the index plate 110 through the stopper 114 and is engaged with the coupler 118.

[0055] The stopper 114 includes a circular body 114a that defines a semi-circular slot 156 and includes one or more upwardly extending posts 158 and one or more outwardly extending tabs 160. The stopper 114 is positioned in the internal bore 42 of the rotation knob 22 between the index plate 110 and the second annular shoulder 46 of the rotation knob 22 with the tabs 160 received within the vertical cutouts 48 of the rotation knob 22. The tabs 160 prevent rotation of the stopper 114 within the internal bore 42 while permitting movement of the stopper between a raised position (FIG. 7) and a lowered position (FIG. 10). The connecting member 112 extends downwardly through the semi-circular slot 156 towards the coupler 118. In aspects of the disclosure, the semi-circular slot 156 is aligned with the semi-circular slot 128in the cover 108 and extends along an arc of about 180 degrees although other arc lengths are envisioned. The posts 158 are received within the openings 146 of the index plate 110 when the stopper 114 is in the raised position (FIG. 7) to prevent rotation of the index plate 110 within the internal bore 42 of the rotation knob 22. In some aspects of the disclosure, the openings 146 have chamfered or angled walls 146a (FIG. 4B) that lead into the openings 146 to direct and guide the posts 158 into the openings 146. In that respect, the upper ends 158a (FIG. 5) of the posts 158 can also be chamfered or include an angled wall. When the stopper 114 is in the lowered position, the posts 158 are withdrawn from the openings 146 of the index plate 110 to permit rotation of the index plate 110 and thus rotation of the articulation lever 102.

[0056] The second spring 116 of the articulation mechanism 100 is positioned on the second annular shoulder 46 of the rotation knob 22 within the internal bore 42 of the rotation knob 22. In aspects of the disclosure, the second spring 116 is in the form of a wave spring although the use of other spring types is envisioned. The second spring 116 is engaged with the underside of the stopper 114 and urges the stopper 114 towards the raised position with the posts 158 received within the openings 146 of the index plate 110.

[0057] The coupler 118 includes a body 118a that includes an elongate slot 162 that receives the second end of the connecting member 112. In aspects of the disclosure, the elongate slot 162 defines an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body 14 of the surgical device 10. The coupler 118 is confined to longitudinal movement within the rotation knob 22 and includes a distal end 118a that is adapted to engage the proximal end 34a of the articulation link 34. As described above, the connecting member 112 is secured to the index plate 110 and rotates with the index plate 110 when the articulation lever 102 is rotated to rotate the index plate 110. When the connecting member 112 is rotated, the connecting member 112 moves transversely within the elongate slot 162 as the connecting member moves the coupler longitudinally within the rotation knob 22.

[0058] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate the articulation assembly 100 of the surgical device 10 in anon- articulated position, locked position. In the non-articulated position, locked position, the longitudinal axis of the articulation lever 102 is aligned with the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body 14 of the surgical device 10 (FIG. 1), and the stopper 114 is urged to the raised position by the second spring 116 to position the posts 158 within openings 146 of the annular array of openings 146 of the index plate 110 to releasably retain the articulation mechanism 100 in the non-articulated position. In the non-articulated position, the connecting member 112of the articulation mechanism 100 is positioned adjacent one end of the elongate slot 162 in the coupler 118 and the longitudinal axis “Y” of the tool assembly 16 is aligned with the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body 14 of the surgical device 10 (FIG. 1).

[0059] FIG. 10 illustrates the articulation mechanism 100 in a non-articulated, unlocked position. To move the articulation mechanism 100 to the unlocked position, the articulation lever 102 is pressed downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow “A” to compress the first spring 106. When the articulation lever 102 moves downwardly, the drive shaft 104 moves downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow “B”. The drive shaft 104 is in abutting relation with the stopper 114 such that when the drive shaft 104 is moved to the lowered position, the stopper 114 moves from the raised position to the lowered position in the direction indicated by arrows “C” to remove the posts 158 of the stopper 114 from the openings 146 of the index plate 110. When the posts 158 of the stopper 114 are withdrawn from the openings 146 of the index plate 110, the articulation mechanism 100 is in an unlocked position to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly 16 (FIG. 1) by a clinician.

[0060] FIG. 11-13 illustrate the surgical device 10 as the articulation mechanism 100 is actuated by a clinician to articulate the tool assembly 16 ninety degrees. When the stopper 114 is moved to the lowered position by pressing downwardly on the articulation lever 102, the clinician can rotate the articulation lever 102 in the direction indicated by arrow “D” in FIG. 11 to rotate the index plate 110 (FIG. 10). When the index plate 110 is rotated, the connecting member 112 rotates with the index plate 110 and moves distally within the rotation knob 22 and transversely within the elongate slot 162 of the coupler 118 to move the coupler 118 distally in the direction indicated by arrow “E” in FIG. 13. As the coupler 118 moves distally within the rotation knob 22, the coupler advances the articulation link 34 in the direction indicated by arrow “F” in FIG. 13 within the elongate body 14 of the surgical device 10. As the articulation link 34 moves within the elongate body 14, the articulation link 34 pivots the tool assembly 16 about the articulation axis “Z” (FIG. 1) in the direction indicated by arrow “G” in FIG. 12.

[0061] It is noted that the openings 146 in the index plate are spaced to allow the tool assembly 16 to be articulated in twelve-degree increments. The articulation lever 102 can be released at any point to allow the first and second springs 106 and 116, respectively, to return the stopper 114 to the raised position and lock the articulation mechanism 100. It is envisioned that the number and spacing of the openings 146 in the stopper can be selected to provide different (larger or smaller) if increments of articulation.

[0062] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the articulation mechanism when the articulation lever 102 is released to allow the first spring 106 and the second spring 116 to return the stopper 114 to the raised or locked position. When the articulation lever 102 is released by a clinician, the first and second springs 106 and 116 respectively move the stopper 114 upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow “H” to move the drive shaft 104 upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow “I”. When the stopper 114 moves upwardly to the raised or locked position, the posts 158 of the stopper 114 move into the openings 146 of the index plate 110 to prohibit rotation of the articulation lever 102. It is noted that if the posts 158 are not aligned with the openings 146, the articulation lever 102 must be rotated slightly until the posts can be received within the openings 146. In that respect, the chamfers 146a formed about the openings 146 and the chamfer 158a formed about the posts 158 will reposition the index plate 110 when the stopper 114 and the index plate are slightly misaligned.

[0063] The disclosed articulation mechanism 100 is configured to minimize the force required to rotate the articulation lever 102 to effect articulation of the tool assembly 16. The articulation mechanism allows a clinician to overcome the force of a lockout mechanism prior to rotation of the articulation lever 102 by pressing downwardly on the articulation lever 102 to unlock the articulation mechanism, i.e., to disengage the stopper 114 from the index plate 110.

[0064] Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the disclosure . It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary aspect of the disclosure may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Also, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the abovedescribed aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

[0065] The following examples are illustrative of the techniques described herein.

[0066] 1. A surgical device comprising: a handle assembly; an elongate body defining a first longitudinal axis and having a proximal portion coupled to the handle assembly and a distal portion; a tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body by a pivot member, the pivot member defining an articulation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis; and an articulation mechanism including an articulation member, a drive shaft, an index plate, a locking member, a connectingmember, a coupler, and an articulation link, the drive shaft defining a shaft axis and having a first end secured to the articulation member and a second end secured to the index plate, the index plate supporting the connecting member and the connecting member engaged with the coupler, wherein rotation of the articulation member about the shaft axis causes corresponding rotation of the index plate to effect longitudinal movement of the coupler, the articulation link having a proximal portion engaged with the coupler and a distal end engaged with the tool assembly such that longitudinal movement of the coupler causes longitudinal movement of the articulation link to move the tool assembly between the non-articulated and articulated positions, and the locking member movable from a locked position engaged with the index plate to an unlocked position in response to movement of the drive shaft from a first position to a second position along the shaft axis.

[0067] Example 2. The surgical device of example 1, further including a first spring positioned to urge the locking member towards the locked position.

[0068] Example 3. The surgical device of example 2, wherein the index plate defines an annular array of openings, and the locking member includes posts that are received within openings of the annular array of openings when the locking member is in the locked position.

[0069] Example 4. The surgical device of example 3, wherein the locking member includes a body that supports the posts and defines a semi-circular slot, and the connecting member extends from the index plate through the semi-circular slot.

[0070] Example 5. The surgical device of example 3, wherein each opening of the annular array of openings includes a chamfered wall that defines one end of the opening, the chamfered wall configured to guide a respective post into one of the openings of the annular array of openings.

[0071] Example 6. The surgical device of example 3, further including a second spring positioned to urge the drive shaft towards the first position.

[0072] Example 7. The surgical device of example 1, further including a rotation knob supported about the proximal portion of the elongate body and rotatably coupled to the handle assembly, the rotation knob rotatable about the first longitudinal axis to rotate the elongate body and the tool assembly about the first longitudinal axis.

[0073] Example 8. The surgical device of example 7, wherein the articulation mechanism is supported on the rotation knob.

[0074] Example 9. The surgical device of example 8, wherein the rotation knob includes a cylindrical housing that defines an internal bore, the drive shaft and the index plate received within the internal bore.

[0075] Example 10. The surgical device of example 9, further including a cover positioned on the cylindrical housing of the rotation knob above the internal bore, the cover defining a through bore that receives the drive shaft.

[0076] Example 11. The surgical device of example 9, wherein the articulation mechanism includes a spring positioned between the cover and the articulation member to urge the drive shaft towards the first position.

[0077] Example 12. The surgical device of example 9, wherein the articulation mechanism includes a spring positioned between the locking member and the rotation knob to urge the locking member towards the locked position.

[0078] Example 13. An articulation mechanism comprising: an articulation member, a drive shaft, an index plate, a locking member, a connecting member, and a coupler, the drive shaft defining a shaft axis and having a first end secured to the articulation member and a second end secured to the index plate, the index plate supporting the connecting member and the connecting member engaged with the coupler, wherein rotation of the articulation member about the shaft axis causes corresponding rotation of the index plate to effect longitudinal movement of the coupler, and the locking member movable from a locked position engaged with the index plate to an unlocked position in response to movement of the drive shaft from a first position to a second position along the shaft axis.

[0079] Example 14. The articulation mechanism of example 13, further including a first spring positioned to urge the locking member towards the locked position.

[0080] Example 15. The articulation mechanism of example 14, wherein the index plate defines an annular array of openings, and the locking member includes posts that are received within openings of the annular array of openings when the locking member is in the locked position.

[0081] Example 16. The articulation mechanism of example 15, wherein the locking member includes a body that supports the posts and defines a semi-circular slot, and the connecting member extends from the index plate through the semi-circular slot.

[0082] Example 17. The articulation mechanism of example 15, wherein each opening of the annular array of openings includes a chamfered wall that defines one end of theopening, the chamfered wall configured to guide a respective post into one of the openings of the annular array of openings.

[0083] Example 18. The articulation mechanism of example 15, further including a second spring positioned to urge the drive shaft towards the first position.

[0084] Example 19. The articulation mechanism of example 13, further including a cover positioned on the cylindrical housing of the rotation knob above the internal bore, the cover defining a through bore that receives the drive shaft.

[0085] Example 20. An articulation mechanism comprising: an articulation member, a drive shaft, an index plate, and a locking member, the drive shaft defining a shaft axis and having a first end secured to the articulation member and a second end secured to the index plate, wherein rotation of the articulation member about the shaft axis causes corresponding rotation of the index plate, the locking member movable from a locked position engaged with the index plate to an unlocked position in response to movement of the drive shaft from a first position to a second position along the shaft axis.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A surgical device (10) comprising: a handle assembly (12); an elongate body (14) defining a first longitudinal axis and having a proximal portion coupled to the handle assembly (12) and a distal portion; a tool assembly (16) defining a second longitudinal axis and coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body (14) by a pivot member (26), the pivot member (26) defining an articulation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis; and an articulation mechanism (100) including an articulation member (112), a drive shaft (104), an index plate (110), a locking member (112), a connecting member (112), a coupler (118), and an articulation link (34), the drive shaft (104) defining a shaft axis and having a first end secured to the articulation member (112) and a second end secured to the index plate (110), the index plate (110) supporting the connecting member (112) and the connecting member (112) engaged with the coupler (118), wherein rotation of the articulation member (112) about the shaft axis causes corresponding rotation of the index plate (110) to effect longitudinal movement of the coupler (118), the articulation link (34) having a proximal portion engaged with the coupler (118) and a distal end engaged with the tool assembly (16) such that longitudinal movement of the coupler (118) causes longitudinal movement of the articulation link (34) to move the tool assembly (16) between the non-articulated and articulated positions, and the locking member (112) movable from a locked position engaged with the index plate (110) to an unlocked position in response to movement of the drive shaft (104) from a first position to a second position along the shaft axis.

2. The surgical device of claim 1, further including a first spring positioned to urge the locking member towards the locked position.

3. The surgical device of claim 2, wherein the index plate defines an annular array of openings, and the locking member includes posts that are received within openings of the annular array of openings when the locking member is in the locked position.

4. The surgical device of claim 3, wherein the locking member includes a body that supports the posts and defines a semi-circular slot, and the connecting member extends from the index plate through the semi-circular slot.

5. The surgical device of claim 3, wherein each opening of the annular array of openings includes a chamfered wall that defines one end of the opening, the chamfered wall configured to guide a respective post into one of the openings of the annular array of openings.

6. The surgical device of claim 3, further including a second spring positioned to urge the drive shaft towards the first position.

7. The surgical device of claim 1, further including a rotation knob supported about the proximal portion of the elongate body and rotatably coupled to the handle assembly, the rotation knob rotatable about the first longitudinal axis to rotate the elongate body and the tool assembly about the first longitudinal axis.

8. The surgical device of claim 7, wherein the articulation mechanism is supported on the rotation knob.

9. The surgical device of claim 8, wherein the rotation knob includes a cylindrical housing that defines an internal bore, the drive shaft and the index plate received within the internal bore.

10. The surgical device of claim 9, further including a cover positioned on the cylindrical housing of the rotation knob above the internal bore, the cover defining a through bore that receives the drive shaft.

11. The surgical device of claim 9, wherein the articulation mechanism includes a spring positioned between the cover and the articulation member to urge the drive shaft towards the first position.

12. The surgical device of claim 9, wherein the articulation mechanism includes a spring positioned between the locking member and the rotation knob to urge the locking member towards the locked position.

13. An articulation mechanism (100) comprising: an articulation member (112), a drive shaft (104), an index plate (110), a locking member (112), a connecting member (112), and a coupler (118), the drive shaft (104) defining a shaft axis and having a first end secured to the articulation member (112) and a second end secured to the index plate (110), the index plate (110) supporting the connecting member (112) and the connecting member (112) engaged with the coupler (118), wherein rotation of the articulation member (112) about the shaft axis causes corresponding rotation of the index plate (110) to effect longitudinal movement of the coupler (118), and the locking member (112) movable from a locked position engaged with the index plate (110) to an unlocked position in response to movement of the drive shaft (104) from a first position to a second position along the shaft axis.

14. The articulation mechanism of claim 13, further including a first spring positioned to urge the locking member towards the locked position.

15. The articulation mechanism of claim 14, wherein the index plate defines an annular array of openings, and the locking member includes posts that are received within openings of the annular array of openings when the locking member is in the locked position.

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