Activation assemblies for electrosurgical instruments

Abstract

The technology relates to activation assemblies for an electrosurgical instrument having an end effector that includes two jaw electrodes and a third electrode, such as a cutting electrode. The jaw electrodes may use a bipolar energy modality and the third electrode may use a monopolar energy modality. The instrument may include a first activation button for supplying energy to one or both jaw electrodes and a second activation button or pivoting lever portion for supplying energy to the third electrode. The instrument may include a multi-directional activation button that is mounted to a trigger pivot defining a pivot axis. When the multi-directional activation button is pressed proximally, it causes energy to be supplied to one or both jaw electrodes. When the multi- directional activation button is moved relative to the pivot axis, it causes energy to be supplied to the third electrode.

Description

Attorney Docket No. A0013152W001ACTIVATION ASSEMBLIES FOR ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 691,074, filed September 5, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure relates to electrosurgical instruments and, more specifically, to multimodality electrosurgical instruments for energy-based tissue treatment such as, for example, tissue sealing and / or one or more modes of tissue cutting.SUMMARY

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] Aspects disclosed herein include an electrosurgical instrument, including: a housing; a shaft extending distally from the housing, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the electrosurgical instrument; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly including a first jaw electrode, a second jaw electrode, and a third electrode, wherein the first jaw electrode is pivotably coupled with the second jaw electrode; first, second, and third electrical pathways extending from the end effector assembly through the shaft, the first, second, and third electrical pathways electrically connecting the first jaw electrode, second jaw electrode, and third electrode with first, second, and third terminals, respectively; a first activation assembly comprising a first activation button and a first switch, the first activation assembly operable to cause a first type of energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode via the first electrical pathway when the first activation button is moved to an actuated position; and a lever assembly comprising: a first lever portion pivotably attached to the housing, the first lever portion operable to cause the first jaw electrode to move relative to the second jaw electrode, and a second lever portion that is pivotably attached to the first lever portion and configured to pivot about a first axis, the second lever portion operable to cause a second type of energy to be supplied to theAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 third electrode via the third electrical pathway when the second lever portion is pivoted in a first direction.

[0005] In some examples, the second lever portion is attached to the first lever portion via a shoulder connector.

[0006] In some examples, the electrosurgical instrument further includes: a second switch, wherein pivoting the second lever portion in the first direction causes the second switch to transition to a first state that causes the second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode.

[0007] In some examples, the electrosurgical instrument further includes: a third switch, wherein pivoting the second lever portion in a second direction causes the third switch to transition to a second state that causes a third type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode.

[0008] In some examples, the third type of energy is different from the second type of energy.

[0009] In some examples, the first type of energy comprises a first radio-frequency (RF) current and the second type of energy comprises a second RF current.

[0010] In some examples, the second lever portion is configured to pivot about a pivot axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0011] In some examples, the second lever portion forms a J-shaped hook with the first lever portion.

[0012] In some examples, the second lever portion is separated from the first lever portion by between 3 and 10 cm.

[0013] In some examples, the first lever portion is pivotably connected to a drive assembly that is operably coupled with the end effector assembly.

[0014] Aspects disclosed herein further include an electrosurgical instrument, including: a housing; a shaft extending distally from the housing, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the electrosurgical instrument; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly including a first jaw electrode, a second jaw electrode, and a third electrode,Attorney Docket No. A0013152W001 wherein the first jaw electrode is pivotably coupled with the second jaw electrode; first, second, and third electrical pathways extending from the end effector assembly through the shaft, the first, second, and third electrical pathways electrically connecting the first jaw electrode, second jaw electrode, and third electrode with first, second, and third terminals, respectively; a multidirectional switch; and a multi-directional activation button coupled to a trigger pivot at a pivot point in the housing, the trigger pivot having an axle defining a pivot axis, wherein the multidirectional activation button is configured to pivot about the pivot point, the multi-directional activation button coupled with a trigger arm extending proximally from the multi-directional activation button, wherein the trigger arm is configured to contact a first portion of the multidirectional switch when the multi-directional activation button is pivoted about the pivot point and the trigger arm is configured to contact a second portion of the multi-directional switch when the multi-directional activation button is moved in a first direction relative to the pivot axis.

[0015] In some examples, the multi-directional switch is configured to transition to a first state when the trigger arm contacts the first portion of the multi-directional switch and transition to a second state when the trigger arm contacts the second portion of the multi-directional switch.

[0016] In some examples, transitioning to the first state causes energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode via the first electrical pathway and transitioning to the second state causes energy to be supplied by to the third electrode via the third electrical pathway.

[0017] In some examples, the trigger arm is configured to contact a third portion of the multidirectional switch when the multi-directional activation button is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0018] In some examples, the multi-directional switch is configured to transition to a third state when the trigger arm contacts the third portion of the multi-directional switch.

[0019] In some examples, transitioning to the second state causes a first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode and transitioning to the third state causes a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode.

[0020] In some examples, the pivot axis is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.Attorney Docket No. A0013152W001

[0021] In some examples, the electrosurgical instrument further includes: a lever assembly pivotably connected to the housing, wherein proximally moving the lever assembly along an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis causes the first jaw electrode and second jaw electrode to move closer together.

[0022] Aspects disclosed herein further include an electrosurgical instrument, including: a housing; a shaft extending distally from the housing, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the electrosurgical instrument; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly including a first jaw electrode, a second jaw electrode, and a third electrode; first, second, and third electrical pathways extending from the end effector assembly through the shaft, the first, second, and third electrical pathways electrically connecting the first jaw electrode, second jaw electrode, and third electrode with the first, second, and third terminals, respectively; a first activation assembly comprising a first activation button and a first switch, the first activation assembly operable to cause a first type of energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode via the first electrical pathway when the first activation button is moved in a first direction; and a second activation assembly comprising a second activation button and a second switch, the second activation assembly operable to cause a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode via the third electrical pathway when the second activation button is moved in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0023] In some examples, the electrosurgical instrument further includes: a third activation assembly comprising a third activation button and a third switch, the third activation assembly operable to cause a third type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode via the third electrical pathway when the third activation button is moved in a third direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis to an actuated position.

[0024] As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is being described which is typically farther from an operator during use (whether a human surgeon or a surgical robot), while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described that is typically closer to the operator.

[0025] The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniquesAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of aspects of systems and methods described below and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner, which scope shall be based on the claims.

[0027] FIG. 1 depicts an example surgical system in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 depicts portions of an electrosurgical instrument in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure.

[0029] FIGs. 3A-3B depict views an electrosurgical instrument in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure.

[0030] FIGs. 4A-4E depict views an electrosurgical instrument in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure.

[0031] FIGs. 5A-5B depict views an electrosurgical instrument in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic illustration of a surgical robotic system in accordance with this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Some surgical instruments include a pliers-like end effector that relies on mechanical action between its jaw members to grasp, clamp, and constrict tissue. Electrosurgical instruments may use both mechanical clamping action and energy to heat tissue to treat, e.g., coagulate, cauterize, or seal, tissue. Typically, once tissue is treated, the operator (e.g., a clinician or surgical robot) has to accurately sever the treated tissue. Accordingly, some electrosurgical instruments incorporate a knife that is advanced between the jaw members to cut treated (or untreated) tissue.Attorney Docket No. A0013152W001As an alternative to a mechanical knife, an energy-based element may be provided to cut tissue using, e.g., thermal, Radio Frequency (RF), ultrasonic, light, or other suitable types of energy.

[0034] Electrosurgical instruments may use monopolar or bipolar energy modalities. For a monopolar energy modality, such as may be used in a cutting device, energy supplied by an electrosurgical generator (ESG) (or a battery) is delivered to an active electrode (e.g., a cutting electrode) and returned to the generator (or battery) via a remote neutral electrode that is placed on the patient’s body, away from the active electrode. The energy travels through the patient’s body to reach the neutral electrode and returns to the ESG via a cable connected between the neutral electrode and the ESG. For a bipolar energy modality, such as may be used for a vessel sealing instrument (e.g., an electrosurgical instrument having two jaws), energy supplied by the ESG (or battery) is delivered to a first electrode of the electrosurgical instrument and returned to the generator (or battery) via a second electrode of the electrosurgical instrument that is in close proximity to the first electrode, such as when the jaws are closed or nearly closed. A voltage potential may be applied across the jaws to implement the bipolar modality.

[0035] A combined vessel sealing and dissection electrosurgical instrument may include a first jaw electrode and second jaw electrode for grasping and sealing tissue and a cutter electrode (e.g., a third electrode) for cutting through tissue. As described herein, to enable the clinician (or alternatively, an automated robot) to control the supply of energy to a particular electrode(s), the electrosurgical instrument may include multiple activation assemblies (e.g., buttons, levers, switches, toggles, or other forms of activation assemblies) or multiple activation directions of a single assembly to initiate energy supply to one or both of the jaw electrodes (e.g., in a bipolar energy modality) or to the third electrode (e.g., in a monopolar energy modality).

[0036] In some examples, an electrosurgical instrument includes a first activation assembly that includes a first activation button and a first switch that can be activated by the first activation button, the first activation assembly for activating energy to one or both of the jaw electrodes. The electrosurgical instrument includes a second activation assembly that includes a second activation button and a second switch that can be activated by the second activation button, the second activation assembly for activating energy to the third electrode. The first activation button may be located at a distal end of the housing and have an axis that is substantially orthogonal (e.g., withinAttorney Docket No. A0013152W0015, 10, 20, or 30 degrees of being orthogonal) to a longitudinal axis of the electrosurgical instrument, and the second activation button may be located at a first side of the housing and have an axis that is substantially parallel (e.g., within 5, 10, 20, or 30 degrees of being parallel) to the longitudinal axis. Such differences in location and orientation of activation buttons may help ensure that a clinician does not inadvertently select an incorrect activation button. In some examples, the electrosurgical instrument also includes a third activation assembly that includes a third activation button and a third switch that can be activated by the third activation button, the third activation assembly for activating energy to the third electrode. The third activation button may provide the same or different functionality as the second activation button. The third activation button may be located at a second side of the housing opposite the first side (e.g., at a location that is symmetric with the location of the second activation button), thereby providing ease of access for both left-handed and right-handed clinicians.

[0037] In some examples, an electrosurgical instrument includes a lever assembly having a first lever portion that is pivotably attached to the housing and to a drive assembly inside the housing. Moving (e.g., pulling) the first lever portion proximally (e.g., moving the first lever portion toward a fixed handle) causes the jaw electrodes to close relative to each other (e.g., to become closer). The lever assembly includes a second lever portion that is pivotably attached to the first lever portion, such as via a shoulder screw. The second lever portion is configured to pivot about an axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the instrument. Pivoting the second lever portion in a first direction causes a first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode (and / or to a jaw electrode(s). The first type of energy may include monopolar cutting energy, monopolar fulguration energy, bipolar energy, and / or an energy having a particular electrical characteristic (e.g., a voltage having a first voltage amplitude and / or a current having a first current amplitude). In some examples, pivoting the second lever portion in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode (and / or to a jaw electrode(s)); e.g., pivoting in either direction has the same effect. In some examples, pivoting the second lever portion in a second direction opposite the first direction causes a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode (and / or to the jaw electrode(s)) such that the type of energy that is supplied to the third electrode depends on the direction of pivot. The second type of energy may include monopolar cutting energy, monopolar fulguration energy, bipolar energy, and / or an energy having a particular (different) electrical characteristic (e.g., aAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 voltage having a second voltage amplitude and / or a current having a second current amplitude). The electrosurgical instrument further includes a first activation button located on the distal end of the housing that, when moved to an actuated position (e.g., pushed in a proximal direction, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis), causes energy to be supplied to one or both jaws of the instrument (e.g., by activating or contacting a first switch within the housing). Thus, in some examples, the clinician can apply energy to a jaw electrode(s) by depressing the first activation button, and apply energy to the third electrode by pivoting the second lever portion of the lever assembly.

[0038] In some examples, an electrosurgical instrument includes a multi-directional activation button located at a distal portion of the housing that, when moved to an actuated position (e.g., depressed or pushed in a proximal direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis) causes energy to be supplied to one or both jaws of the instrument. In some examples, the multidirectional activation button is pivotably attached to a trigger pivot in the housing and is configured to pivot about a first pivot point when depressed. The multi-directional activation button can also be moved relative to an axle of the trigger pivot that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The trigger pivot itself may be attached to the housing. The instrument includes a multi-directional switch in the housing that is configured to detect whether the activation button is moved to a first actuated position, second actuated position, or third actuated position (e.g., whether the button is depressed, pivoted in a first direction, or pivoted in a second direction) and transition state accordingly. In some examples, moving the multi-directional activation button in a first direction relative to the axle of the trigger pivot causes a first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode (e.g., the cutter electrode). In some examples, moving the multi-directional activation button in a second direction opposite the first direction also causes the first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode. In some examples, moving the multidirectional activation button in the second direction causes a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode. For example, moving the multi-directional activation button in the first direction causes energy having a first electrical characteristic (e.g., a first voltage or current) to be supplied to the third electrode, and moving the multi-directional activation button in the second direction causes energy having a second electrical characteristic (e.g., a second voltage or current) to be supplied to the third electrode.Attorney Docket No. A0013152W001

[0039] It should be understood that various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in different combinations than the combinations specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, an electrosurgical system 100 provided in accordance with the present disclosure includes an electrosurgical instrument 102 and an electrosurgical generator 103. Electrosurgical instrument 102 includes a housing 104, a handle assembly 106, a rotating assembly 108, an end effector assembly 114 that includes multiple electrodes 128, 130, 132. The instrument 102 includes a first activation button 110 for activating energy to one or more of the electrodes and optionally, a second activation button 112 for activating energy to one or more of the electrodes. Examples of the first activation button 110 and second activation button 112 are described with reference to FIGs. 5A-B and 3A-B, respectively.

[0041] Instrument 102 further includes a shaft 116 that defines a longitudinal axis “A- A” and has a proximal end portion 118 operatively engaged to housing 104 and a distal end portion 120 operably engaged to end effector assembly 114. End effector assembly 114 may be configured to include first and second jaw members 122, 124, at least one of which is pivotable relative to the other about a pivot 126 to grasp tissue to enable sealing and / or dividing of the grasped tissue, although other end effector assembly configurations are also contemplated. As mentioned above, end effector assembly 114 includes a first jaw electrode 128 defined by a tissue contacting surface of jaw member 122, a second jaw electrode 130 defined by a tissue contacting surface of jaw member 124, and a third electrode 132 defined by a cutting element supported by jaw member 124. In some examples, the third electrode 132 is retractable.

[0042] Handle assembly 106 includes a fixed handle 140 and a moveable lever assembly 142. Fixed handle 140 is integrally associated with housing 104 and lever assembly 142 is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the housing 104 to actuate a drive member (such as a cable, rod, or wire) that extends from the housing through the shaft and is coupled with the first and second jaw members. When the lever assembly 142 is moved proximally (e.g., toward the fixed handle 140) (e.g., when a clinician pulls the lever assembly 142, causing the lever assembly 142 to pivot relative to the housing 104), the drive member is actuated (e.g., pulled or pushed) to cause the jawAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 members to be brought closer together. Additionally or alternatively, moving the lever assembly 142 proximally may activate a switch to cause energy to be supplied to the jaw members.

[0043] The lever assembly 142 includes a first lever portion 142a that is pivotably attached to the housing (at a first pivot) and pivotably attached to a drive assembly (at a second pivot) that includes the drive member (e.g., a cable, rod, or wire that is connected to the end effector and can be actuated to cause the jaw members to open or close). The lever assembly 142 includes a second lever portion 142b that, in some examples, is pivotably coupled with the first lever portion 142a such that the second lever portion 142b can be pivoted relative to the first lever portion 142a. In this case, the second lever portion 142b serves as an activation assembly for activating energy to the third electrode (and / or to a jaw electrode(s)) when the second lever portion 142b is pivoted relative to the first lever portion 142a, as described in more detail with reference to FIGs. 4A-4E. In other examples, the second lever portion 142b is fixed with respect to the first lever portion 142a.

[0044] Rotating assembly 108 is engaged with shaft 116 and extends outwardly (distally) from housing 104 to enable a user to manually control the orientation of shaft 116 and thus, of end effector assembly 114, relative to housing 104. Rotating assembly 108 can rotate in either direction about the longitudinal axis “A- A” to similarly rotate end effector assembly 114 relative to housing 104.

[0045] Instrument 102 may also include one or more electrosurgical cables 134 extending from housing 104 to one or more plugs 136 that is / are configured to connect instrument 102 to electrosurgical generator 103. More specifically, each plug 136 is configured to engage a port 105 of generator 103 to enable generator 103 to communicate with instrument 102 and control the supply of electrosurgical energy to the electrodes of end effector assembly 114 of instrument 102, e.g., for sealing and / or cutting tissue grasped between first and second jaw members 122, 124 and / or for cutting tissue in contact with cutting element 132, e.g., with jaw members 122, 124 disposed in a spaced apart position. Electrosurgical instrument 102 and electrosurgical generator 103 enable selective activation of two of the electrodes (e.g., a first jaw electrode and second jaw electrode) of end effector assembly 114 in a sealing mode of operation wherein the two electrodes, e.g., jaw electrodes 128, 130 of jaw members 122, 124 are energized to different potentials toAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 conduct electrosurgical energy, e.g., radio frequency (RF) energy, therebetween and through tissue grasped between first and second jaw members 122, 124 to treat, e.g., seal, the tissue, and in one or more cutting modes of operation wherein the third electrode, e.g., cutting element 132, is energized with electrosurgical energy, e.g., RF energy, to cut tissue in contact with the electrode to treat, e.g., cut, tissue.

[0046] Generator 103 further includes one or more generator modules (not shown) each configured to generate suitable energy for output through one or more ports 105 to a connected instrument(s). For example, the one or more generator modules may be configured to generate RF currents for output through the port 105 connected to instrument 102 to end effector assembly 114 of instrument 102 for energizing the first and / or second electrodes of end effector assembly 114 for sealing tissue grasped between jaw members 122, 124 in the sealing mode of operation and / or may generate an RF current for output through the port 105 connected to instrument 102 to energize the third electrode of end effector assembly 114 of instrument 102 in the cutting mode(s) of operation for cutting tissue in contact with the third electrode. Generator 103 also includes one or more controllers such as, for example, to control the various modules, components, and features of generator 103.

[0047] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, activation assemblies of instrument 102 (e.g., first activation button 110 and a corresponding switch, second activation button 112 and a corresponding switch, and / or second lever portion 142b and one or more corresponding switches) are configured to signal generator 103 to initiate the supply of electrosurgical energy to an electrode(s) of end effector assembly 114 in accordance with a selected mode of operation. The first activation button 110, second activation button 112, and / or second lever portion 142b may each be movable between an un-actuated position and one or more actuated positions to thereby transition one or more underlying electrical switches (not shown) between states.

[0048] As discussed in more detail with reference to FIGs. 5A-B, in some examples, the first activation button 110 is a multi-directional activation button that is pivotably attached to a trigger pivot in a manner that allows the first activation button to be moved to a first actuated position, second actuated position, or third actuated position (e.g., by being depressed, pivoted in a first direction, or pivoted in a second direction), with various positions of the first activation buttonAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001110 changing the state of an underlying multi-directional switch. In other examples., the first activation button 110 is attached to an element having a slot, wherein the activation button includes a post configured to move laterally within the slot. In this case, the activation button can be moved to a first actuated position, second actuated position, or third actuation position (e.g., by being depressed, translated in a first direction, and translated in a second direction opposite the first direction).

[0049] Generator 103 may be configured to read an output, e.g., the presence of a resistance, voltage, current, etc. and / or a value of the resistance, voltage, current, etc., to detect the state of the electrical switches and, thus, to detect whether the user has activated either of the activation buttons 110, 112 and / or the second lever portion 142b and, if so, to what state the switch has transitioned (e.g., which state has been output by the switch). In aspects, generator 103 reads a first state of an electrical switch as corresponding to an un-activated state and a second state (or other states) of an electrical switch as corresponding to an activated state(s). The states of the switches may cause the generator 103 to supply different types of energy to different electrodes (e.g., by providing different types of energy — e.g., monopolar cutting energy, monopolar fulguration energy, bipolar energy, and / or energy having different electrical characteristics such as different voltages or currents — to different outputs of a port 105).

[0050] In some examples, an electrosurgical instrument includes one or more of a multidirectional activation button (as described with reference to FIGs. 5A-5B), a pivotable second lever portion (as described with respect to FIGs. 4A-E), or a second activation switch (e.g., as described with reference to FIGs. 3A-B). In some examples, an electrosurgical instrument may exclude one or more of these elements (e.g., so that similar functionality is not duplicated on the instrument).

[0051] FIG. 2 depicts electrical pathways between the first electrode 128, second electrode 130, and third electrode 132 and corresponding terminals of one or more plugs 136. The first jaw electrode 128 is connected to a first terminal 156 of a plug 136 via a first electrical pathway 150 that passes from the end effector assembly 114 through the shaft 116, housing 104, and cable 134 to a plug 136. The second jaw electrode 130 is connected to a second terminal 158 of a plug 136 via a second electrical pathway 152 that passes from the end effector assembly 114 through theAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 shaft 116, housing 104, and cable 134 to the plug 136. The third electrode 132 (e.g., a cutting electrode) is connected to a third terminal 160 of a plug 136 (which may be the same plug as is connected to the jaw electrodes, or a different plug) via a third electrical pathway 154 that passes from the end effector assembly 114 through the shaft 116, housing 104, and cable 134 to the plug 136. The terminals 156, 158, 160 of each plug 136 are, in turn, configured to connect to a port 105 of the generator 103.

[0052] Although the examples of FIGs. 1 and 2 depict an electrosurgical instrument that is connected to a generator via a cable(s) and terminals of a plug(s), in some examples the electrosurgical instrument is battery operated and includes terminals that can be connected to the battery. For example, the first jaw electrode 128 may be connected to a first terminal of the electrosurgical instrument, the second jaw electrode 130 may be connected to a second terminal of the electrosurgical instrument, and the third electrode may be connected to a third terminal of the electrosurgical instrument, where the terminals are configured to be connected to one or more batteries. Thus, the term “terminal” as used herein refers to both terminals of a plug (for instruments that are configured to be plugged into a generator) or terminals of the instrument itself (for instruments that are configured to be connected to a battery).

[0053] FIGs. 3A-B depict views of an electrosurgical instrument 200, with a first view (FIG. 3 A) rotated 180 degrees relative to a second view (FIG. 3B). The electrosurgical instrument 102a may be an example of electrosurgical instrument 102 described with reference to FIG. 1 and may include some similar elements. For example, the electrosurgical instrument 102a includes a housing 204, shaft 216 (connected to an end effector, not shown), lever assembly 242, first activation button 210, and second activation button 212a. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a third activation button 212b. The second activation button 212a is located on a first side of the housing and the third activation button 212b is located on an opposite side of the housing 204 relative to the second activation button 212a. In some examples, the third activation button 212b is on the same side of the housing as the second activation button 212a.

[0054] The electrosurgical instrument 200 includes a first switch in the housing 204 underlying the first activation button 210. When the first activation button 210 is moved proximally (e.g., depressed), the first activation button causes the first switch to transition to a firstAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 state (e.g., output the first state). In some examples, the first state causes energy to be supplied, by a generator (e.g., generator 103), to the first jaw electrode (e.g., first electrode 128) and / or second jaw electrode (e.g., second electrode 130) as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0055] The electrosurgical instrument 200 includes a second switch in the housing 204 underlying the second activation button 212a. When the second activation button 212a is moved in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A- A, the second activation button 212a causes the second switch to transition to a second state. In some examples, the second state causes energy to be supplied, by a generator, to the third electrode (e.g., third electrode 132) as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0056] In some examples, if the electrosurgical instrument 200 includes a third activation button 212b, the electrosurgical instrument 200 also includes a third switch in the housing 204 underlying the third activation button 212b. When the third activation button 212b is moved in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A- A, the third activation button 212b causes the third switch to transition to a third state. In some examples, the third state causes energy to be supplied, by a generator, to the third electrode (e.g., third electrode 132) as described with reference to FIG. 1. In some examples, the second activation button 212a and third activation button 212b may provide similar or identical functionality and may be included to support both left-handed and right-handed clinicians.

[0057] In some examples, the second state causes a first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode, and the third state causes a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode. Thus, if the clinician depresses the second activation button 212a a first type of energy is supplied to the third electrode, and if the clinician depresses the third activation button 212b a second type of energy is supplied to the third electrode, where the second type of energy is different from the first type of energy.

[0058] In some examples, a surgical instrument may include the second activation button 112a and exclude the third activation button 112b, or vice versa.

[0059] FIG. 4A depicts an electrosurgical instrument 400 that includes a first activation button 410 and a lever assembly 442 having a first lever portion 442a and a second lever portion 442b.Attorney Docket No. A0013152W001The electrosurgical instrument 400 includes a housing 404 and a shaft 416 that defines a longitudinal axis A-A of the electrosurgical instrument 400, along with a fixed handle 440. Elements 404, 416, and 440 may be the same as or similar to similarly named elements described with reference to FIG. 1. A proximal portion 418 of the shaft is operably coupled to the housing 404 and a distal portion of the shaft 416 (not shown) is operably coupled to an end effector assembly (not shown), such as end effector assembly 114.

[0060] The electrosurgical instrument 400 includes a first switch in the housing 404 underlying the first activation button 410. When the first activation button 410 is moved proximally (e.g., depressed), the first activation button causes the first switch to transition to a first state. In some examples, the first state causes energy to be supplied, by a generator (e.g., generator 103), to the first jaw electrode (e.g., first electrode 128) and / or second jaw electrode (e.g., second electrode 130) as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0061] The first lever portion 442a is pivotably attached, inside the housing, to the housing (at a first pivot 452, FIG. 4B) and to a drive assembly (at a second pivot 454, FIG. 4B). The drive assembly includes a drive member such that when the first lever portion 442a is pivoted relative to the housing (e.g., pulled by a clinician) so that it moves proximally toward the fixed handle 440 of the electrosurgical instrument 400, it causes the drive member to close the jaw members of the end effector. When the first lever portion 442a is pivoted such that is moves distally away from the fixed handle 440 (e.g., when a clinician pushes on first lever portion 442a and / or second lever portion 442b), it causes the drive member to open the jaw members of the end effector. Thus, the lever assembly 442 is configured to cause the jaws of the end effector to open or close depending on the position of the lever assembly 442 relative to the fixed handle 440.

[0062] The second lever portion 442b is pivotably attached to the first lever portion and can rotate about the first lever portion 442a (e.g., by rotating about an axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, as shown in FIG. 4B). Additional details regarding the lever assembly’s structure and functionality are described with reference to FIGs. 4B-4E.

[0063] FIG. 4B depicts lever assembly 442 as detached from housing 404. Lever assembly 442 includes a first pivot 452 that is connected to the housing 404 and a second pivot 454 that is connected to a drive member within the housing 404 such that, when lever assembly 442 is pivotedAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 about the first pivot 452 and second pivot 454, the drive member causes the jaws of the end effector to close, as discussed with reference to FIG. 4A.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4B, the second lever portion 142b is pivotably connected to the first lever portion 442a via a shoulder connector 444 (e.g., a shoulder screw having a threaded end). The shoulder connector 444 functions as an axle (e.g., having a pivot axis B) about which the second lever portion 442b can rotate. The pivot axis B may be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A-A (e.g., within 5, 10, 20, or 30 degrees of being orthogonal). In the example of FIG. 4B, the second lever portion 442b forms a J-shaped hook with respect to the first lever portion 442a, with the second lever portion separated from the first lever portion by approximately 3-10 cm.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4C, the first lever portion 442a includes a grip portion 459 that is roughly orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A-A (and may be configured to be moved by a clinician’s finger, for example), and a cavity 456 adjacent to the grip portion 459 and substantially orthogonal to the grip portion 459. The grip portion 459 may be substantially flat and have a width of between .5 and 10 cm, for example. A tab 458 (FIG. 4D) of the second lever portion 442b is configured to reside within the cavity 456 when the lever assembly 442 is fully assembled. The tab 458 incudes a hole 414 through which the shoulder connector 444 is inserted through the second lever portion 442b into a corresponding threaded hole in the first lever portion 442a, to pivotably couple the second lever portion 442b to the first lever portion 442a while the tab 458 is inserted into the cavity 456.

[0066] The second lever portion 442b includes a first activation switch 460a on a first side 462a of the tab 458. When the second lever portion 442b is pivoted in a first direction (e.g., direction DI about pivot axis B, shown in FIG. 4D) relative to the first lever portion 442a (e.g., pushed in the first direction by a clinician), the first activation switch 460a makes contact with the first lever portion 442a (e.g., on a side of the cavity 456), which causes the first activation switch to transition to a first state. The first state may cause energy to be supplied by a generator (e.g., generator 103) to a third electrode or to a jaw electrode(s) of the end effector (e.g., third electrode 132 and / or jaw electrodes of end effector assembly 114). Thus, pivoting the second lever portionAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001442b in a first direction about the shoulder connector 444 activates the supply of energy to the third electrode and / or to the jaw electrode(s).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4E, in some examples, the second lever portion 442b is symmetric such that it includes a second activation switch 460b on a second side 462b of the second lever portion 442b (e.g., opposite the first activation switch 460a), and pivoting the second lever portion 442b in a second direction (e.g., direction D2) opposite the first direction causes the second activation switch to change its state to a second state. The second state may cause energy to be supplied to the third electrode (e.g., electrode 132) and / or to the jaw electrode(s) of the end effector. In some examples, pivoting the second lever portion 442b in either direction (D 1 or D2) has the same effect of causing a first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode. In some examples, pivoting the second lever portion 442b in the first direction (e.g., causing the first activation switch to transition to the first state) causes a first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode (or to a jaw electrode(s)), and pivoting the second lever portion 442b in the second direction (e.g., causing the second activation switch to transition to the second state) causes a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode (or to a jaw electrode(s)). In some examples, the switches of the second lever portion 442b can be used to implement different functionality, such as rotating the shaft relative to the housing and / or changing power settings of the instrument. For example, the first state may cause the shaft to be rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the housing, and the second state may cause the shaft to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the housing.

[0068] Although FIGs. 4D and 4E depict the activation switches 460a, 460b as being attached to the second lever portion 442b, in some examples, the activation switches 460a, 460b are attached to the first lever portion 442a, within the sides of the cavity 456, and are contacted by the sides of the tab 458 when the second lever portion 442b is pivoted.

[0069] In some examples, the second lever portion 442b includes a first substantially flat grip portion 464a (e.g., having a width of between 1 and 10 cm) on the first side 462a of the second lever portion 442b and a second substantially flat grip portion 464b (e.g., having a width of between .5 and 10 cm) on the second side 462b of the second lever portion 442b, to enable aAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 clinician to easily press (e.g., pivot) the second lever portion 442b from either side of the second lever portion 442b.

[0070] FIG. 5A depicts an electrosurgical instrument 500 that includes a housing 504 and a shaft 516 that defines a longitudinal axis A-A of the electrosurgical instrument 500, along with a fixed handle 540. Elements 504, 516, and 540 may be the same as or similar to similarly named elements described with reference to FIG. 1. A proximal portion 518 of the shaft is operably coupled to the housing 504 and a distal portion of the shaft 516 (not shown) is operably coupled to an end effector assembly (not shown), such as end effector assembly 114.

[0071] The electrosurgical instrument 500 includes a lever assembly 542 that is pivotably mounted to the housing 504 and to a drive member inside the housing 504 as described with reference to FIG. 4A-B. Lever assembly 542 may be an example of lever assembly 142, 342, and / or 442 described with reference to FIGs. 1, 3A-3B, and 4A-4E, respectively. In some examples, a second lever portion 542b is fixedly (rather than pivotably) attached to a first lever portion 542a.

[0072] The electrosurgical instrument 500 includes a multi-directional activation button 510 that, when depressed (e.g., pressed in a proximal direction), changes a state of an underlying multidirectional switch 578 (FIG. 5B) in the housing 504 to a first state. The first state may cause energy to be supplied, by a generator (e.g., generator 103), to a first jaw electrode (e.g., first jaw electrode 128), a second jaw electrode (e.g., second jaw electrode 130), or both, and / or to a third electrode. For example, a clinician may depress the multi-directional activation button 510 to initiate a tissue sealing procedure.

[0073] The multi-directional switch 578 in the housing 504 may be a three-way, four-way, or five- way switch, such as a joystick switch, that may include multiple (e.g., three, four, or five) switches (or sensors) on different sides of the multi-directional switch 578 that can be independently activated (e.g., contacted) to change the state of the multi-directional switch 578. For example, the multi-directional switch 578 may include a first switch on a first side of the multi-directional switch 578, a second switch on a second side of the multi-directional switch 578, a third switch on a third side of the multi-directional switch 578, and a fourth switch on a fourth side of the multi-directional switch 572. In some examples, the sides include a bottom of the multiAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 directional switch. Each of these switches can be activated by contacting the appropriate side of the multi-directional switch 578, thereby causing the multi-directional switch 578 to transition to a first state, second state, third state, or fourth state (respectively). In the example of FIGs. 5A-5B, the multi-directional switch 578 is coupled with a printed circuit board (PCB) 574 that provides the state of the multi-directional switch 578 to a generator (e.g., generator 103).

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5B, the multi-directional activation button 510 is coupled with a trigger arm 572 inside the housing 504. The trigger arm 572 extends proximally from the multidirectional activation button 510 and includes a notch 580 having a bottom, wherein the notch forms a cupped U-shape (e.g., a cup having three sides and a bottom surface) and in which a portion of the multi-directional switch 578 resides. The multi-directional activation button 510 is pivotably coupled, at a pivot point represent by P, with a trigger pivot 576 inside the housing 504. A bottom side of the notch 580 contacts a first portion (e.g., a bottom side) of the multi-directional switch 578 when the multi-directional activation button 510 is depressed (e.g., pivoted about axis D, which may be substantially orthogonal to longitudinal axis A- A), thereby changing the state of the multi-directional switch to a first state that causes energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode, the second jaw electrode, or both, and / or to the third electrode.

[0075] The trigger pivot defines a pivot axis C. The trigger pivot 576, which is mounted to the housing and includes an axle 577 about which the multi- directional activation button 510 is configured to laterally move or pivot, enables the multi-directional activation button 510 to be moved relative to pivot axis C. Pivot axis C may be substantially orthogonal to longitudinal axis A-A and axis D. In some examples, when the multi-directional activation button 510 is moved (e.g., translated or pivoted) in a first direction DI relative to pivot axis C, the trigger arm 572 pivots (e.g., rotates) and a second side of the notch 580 contacts a second portion of the multidirectional switch 578, thereby transitioning the state of the multi-directional switch 578 to a second state. The second state may cause energy to be supplied to the third electrode (e.g., third electrode 132, which may be a cutting electrode) and / or to a jaw electrode(s). Thus, the clinician (or surgical robot) may move the multi-directional activation button 510 (e.g., by pressing it from a side 570a, 570b of the button) to initiate a monopolar tissue cutting procedure and / or to initiate a bipolar sealing procedure. In some examples, when the multi-directional activation button 510 is moved (e.g., pivoted or translated) in a second direction D2 opposite direction DI, a third sideAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 of the notch 580 of the trigger arm 572 contacts a third portion of the multi-directional switch, thereby changing the state of the multi-directional switch to a third state. The third state may in some examples also cause energy to be supplied to the third electrode or may, in other examples, cause energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode, second jaw electrode, or both. In some examples, transitioning the state of the multi-directional switch 578 to the second state causes a first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode (and / or to a jaw electrode(s) and transitioning the state of the multi-directional switch 578 to the third state causes a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode (and / or to a jaw electrode(s)). In some examples, the switches of the multi-directional switch can be used to implement different functionality, such as rotating the shaft relative to the housing and / or changing power settings of the instrument. For example, the first state may cause the shaft to be rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the housing, and the second state may cause the shaft to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the housing.

[0076] FIG. 6 depicts a robotic surgical system 1000 provided in accordance with the present disclosure. Aspects and features of robotic surgical system 1000 not germane to the understanding of the present disclosure are omitted to avoid obscuring the aspects and features of the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

[0077] Robotic surgical system 1000 includes a plurality of robot arms 1002, 1003; a control device 1004; and an operating console 1005 coupled with control device 1004. Operating console 1005 may include a display device 1006, which may be set up in particular to display three-dimensional images and / or video images; and manual input devices 1007, 1008, by means of which a surgeon may be able to telemanipulate robot arms 1002, 1003. Robotic surgical instrument 1000 may be configured for use on a patient 1013 lying on a patient table 1012 to be treated in a minimally invasive manner. Robotic surgical system 1000 may further include a database 1014, in particular coupled to control device 1004, in which are stored, for example, preoperative data from patient 1013 and / or anatomical atlases.

[0078] Each of the robot arms 1002, 1003 may include a plurality of members, which are connected through joints, and an attaching device 1009, 1011, to which may be attached, for example, a surgical tool “ST” including an end effector assembly 1100. One end effector assemblyAttorney Docket No. A0013152W0011100 may be similar to end effector assembly 114 (FIG. 1), although other suitable end effector assemblies for coupling to attaching device 1009 are also contemplated. The other end effector assembly 1100 may be any end effector assembly, e.g., of an endoscopic camera, other surgical tool, etc. Robot arms 1002, 1003 and end effector assemblies 1100 may be driven by electric drives, e.g., motors, that are connected to control device 1004. Control device 1004 (e.g., a computer) may be configured to activate the motors, in particular by means of a computer program, in such a way that robot arms 1002, 1003, their attaching devices 1009, 1011, and end effector assemblies 1100 execute a desired movement and / or function according to a corresponding input from manual input devices 1007, 1008, respectively. Control device 1004 may also be configured in such a way that it regulates the movement of robot arms 1002, 1003 and / or of the motors.

[0079] It should be understood that various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in different combinations than the combinations specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that, depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., all described acts or events may not be necessary to carry out the techniques). In addition, while certain aspects of this disclosure are described as being performed by a single module or unit for purposes of clarity, it should be understood that the techniques of this disclosure may be performed by a combination of units or modules associated with, for example, a medical device.

[0080] The following examples are illustrative of the techniques described herein.

[0081] Example 1. An electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a housing; a shaft extending distally from the housing, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the electrosurgical instrument; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly including a first jaw electrode, a second jaw electrode, and a third electrode, wherein the first jaw electrode is pivotably coupled with the second jaw electrode; first, second, and third electrical pathways extending from the end effector assembly through the shaft, the first, second, and third electrical pathways electrically connecting the first jaw electrode, second jaw electrode, and third electrode with first, second, and third terminals, respectively; a first activation assembly comprising a firstAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 activation button and a first switch, the first activation assembly operable to cause a first type of energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode via the first electrical pathway when the first activation button is moved to an actuated position; and a lever assembly comprising: a first lever portion pivotably attached to the housing, the first lever portion operable to cause the first jaw electrode to move relative to the second jaw electrode, and a second lever portion that is pivotably attached to the first lever portion and configured to pivot about a first axis, the second lever portion operable to cause a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode via the third electrical pathway when the second lever portion is pivoted in a first direction.

[0082] Example 2. The electrosurgical instrument of example 1, wherein the second lever portion is attached to the first lever portion via a shoulder connector.

[0083] Example 3. The electrosurgical instrument of example 1, further comprising: a second switch, wherein pivoting the second lever portion in the first direction causes the second switch to transition to a first state that causes the second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode.

[0084] Example 4. The electrosurgical instrument of example 3, further comprising: a third switch, wherein pivoting the second lever portion in a second direction causes the third switch to transition to a second state that causes a third type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode.

[0085] Example 5. The electrosurgical instrument of example 4, wherein the third type of energy is different from the second type of energy.

[0086] Example 6. The electrosurgical instrument of example 1, wherein the first type of energy comprises a first radio-frequency (RF) current and the second type of energy comprises a second RF current.

[0087] Example 7. The electrosurgical instrument of example 1, wherein the second lever portion is configured to pivot about a pivot axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0088] Example 8. The electrosurgical instrument of example 1, wherein the second lever portion forms a J-shaped hook with the first lever portion.Attorney Docket No. A0013152W001

[0089] Example 9. The electrosurgical instrument of example 8, wherein the second lever portion is separated from the first lever portion by between 3 and 10 cm.

[0090] Example 10. The electrosurgical instrument of example 1, wherein the first lever portion is pivotably connected to a drive assembly that is operably coupled with the end effector assembly.

[0091] Example 11. An electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a housing; a shaft extending distally from the housing, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the electrosurgical instrument; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly including a first jaw electrode, a second jaw electrode, and a third electrode, wherein the first jaw electrode is pivotably coupled with the second jaw electrode; first, second, and third electrical pathways extending from the end effector assembly through the shaft, the first, second, and third electrical pathways electrically connecting the first jaw electrode, second jaw electrode, and third electrode with first, second, and third terminals, respectively; a multi-directional switch; and a multidirectional activation button coupled to a trigger pivot at a pivot point in the housing, the trigger pivot having an axle defining a pivot axis, wherein the multi-directional activation button is configured to pivot about the pivot point , the multi-directional activation button coupled with a trigger arm extending proximally from the multi-directional activation button, wherein the trigger arm is configured to contact a first portion of the multi-directional switch when the multidirectional activation button is pivoted about the pivot point and the trigger arm is configured to contact a second portion of the multi-directional switch when the multi-directional activation button is moved in a first direction relative to the pivot axis.

[0092] Example 12. The electrosurgical instrument of example 11, wherein the multidirectional switch is configured to transition to a first state when the trigger arm contacts the first portion of the multi-directional switch and transition to a second state when the trigger arm contacts the second portion of the multi-directional switch.

[0093] Example 13. The electrosurgical instrument of example 12, wherein transitioning to the first state causes energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode via the first electrical pathway and transitioning to the second state causes energy to be supplied by to the third electrode via the third electrical pathway.Attorney Docket No. A0013152W001

[0094] Examplel4. The electrosurgical instrument of example 13, wherein the trigger arm is configured to contact a third portion of the multi-directional switch when the multi-directional activation button is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0095] Examplel5. The electrosurgical instrument of example 14, wherein the multidirectional switch is configured to transition to a third state when the trigger arm contacts the third portion of the multi-directional switch.

[0096] Example 16. The electrosurgical instrument of example 15, wherein transitioning to the second state causes a first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode and transitioning to the third state causes a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode.

[0097] Example 17. The electrosurgical instrument of example 11, wherein the pivot axis is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0098] Example 18. The electrosurgical instrument of example 11, further comprising: a lever assembly pivotably connected to the housing, wherein proximally moving the lever assembly along an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis causes the first jaw electrode and second jaw electrode to move closer together.

[0099] Example 19. An electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a housing; a shaft extending distally from the housing, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the electrosurgical instrument; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly including a first jaw electrode, a second jaw electrode, and a third electrode; first, second, and third electrical pathways extending from the end effector assembly through the shaft, the first, second, and third electrical pathways electrically connecting the first jaw electrode, second jaw electrode, and third electrode with the first, second, and third terminals, respectively; a first activation assembly comprising a first activation button and a first switch, the first activation assembly operable to cause a first type of energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode via the first electrical pathway when the first activation button is moved in a first direction ; and a second activation assembly comprising a second activation button and a second switch, the second activation assembly operable to cause a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode via the thirdAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 electrical pathway when the second activation button is moved in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0100] Example 20. The electrosurgical instrument of example 19, further comprising: a third activation assembly comprising a third activation button and a third switch, the third activation assembly operable to cause a third type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode via the third electrical pathway when the third activation button is moved in a third direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis to an actuated position.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. A0013152W001What is claimed is:

1. An electrosurgical instrument (400), comprising: a housing (404); a shaft (416) extending distally from the housing, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the electrosurgical instrument; an end effector assembly (114) coupled to a distal end of the shaft (120), the end effector assembly including a first jaw electrode (128), a second jaw electrode (130), and a third electrode (132), wherein the first jaw electrode is pivotably coupled with the second jaw electrode; first (150), second (152), and third (154) electrical pathways extending from the end effector assembly through the shaft, the first, second, and third electrical pathways electrically connecting the first jaw electrode, second jaw electrode, and third electrode with first (156), second (158), and third terminals (160), respectively; a first activation assembly comprising a first activation button (410) and a first switch, the first activation assembly operable to cause a first type of energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode via the first electrical pathway when the first activation button is moved to an actuated position; and a lever assembly (442) comprising: a first lever portion (442a) pivotably attached to the housing, the first lever portion operable to cause the first jaw electrode to move relative to the second jaw electrode, and a second lever portion (442b) that is pivotably attached to the first lever portion and configured to pivot about a first axis, the second lever portion operable to cause a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode via the third electrical pathway when the second lever portion is pivoted in a first direction.

2. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the second lever portion is attached to the first lever portion via a shoulder connector.

3. The electrosurgical instrument of any of claims 1-2, further comprising:Attorney Docket No. A0013152W001 a second switch, wherein pivoting the second lever portion in the first direction causes the second switch to transition to a first state that causes the second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode.

4. The electrosurgical instrument of any of claims 1-3, further comprising: a third switch, wherein pivoting the second lever portion in a second direction causes the third switch to transition to a second state that causes a third type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode.

5. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 4, wherein the third type of energy is different from the second type of energy.

6. The electrosurgical instrument of any of claims 1-5, wherein the first type of energy comprises a first radio-frequency (RF) current and the second type of energy comprises a second RF current.

7. The electrosurgical instrument of any of claims 1-6, wherein the second lever portion is configured to pivot about a pivot axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

8. The electrosurgical instrument of any of claims 1-7, wherein the first lever portion is pivotably connected to a drive assembly that is operably coupled with the end effector assembly.

9. An electrosurgical instrument (500), comprising: a housing (504); a shaft (516) extending distally from the housing, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the electrosurgical instrument; an end effector assembly (114) coupled to a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly including a first jaw electrode (128), a second jaw electrode (130), andAttorney Docket No. A0013152W001 a third electrode (132), wherein the first jaw electrode is pivotably coupled with the second jaw electrode; first (150), second (152), and third (154) electrical pathways extending from the end effector assembly through the shaft, the first, second, and third electrical pathways electrically connecting the first jaw electrode, second jaw electrode, and third electrode with first (156), second (158), and third terminals (160), respectively; a multi-directional switch (578); and a multi-directional activation button (510) coupled to a trigger pivot (576) at a pivot point in the housing, the trigger pivot having an axle (577) defining a pivot axis, wherein the multi-directional activation button is configured to pivot about the pivot point, the multi-directional activation button coupled with a trigger arm (572) extending proximally from the multi-directional activation button, wherein the trigger arm is configured to contact a first portion of the multi-directional switch when the multidirectional activation button is pivoted about the pivot point and the trigger arm is configured to contact a second portion of the multi-directional switch when the multidirectional activation button is moved in a first direction relative to the pivot axis.

10. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 9, wherein the multi-directional switch is configured to transition to a first state when the trigger arm contacts the first portion of the multi-directional switch and transition to a second state when the trigger arm contacts the second portion of the multi-directional switch.

11. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 10, wherein transitioning to the first state causes energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode via the first electrical pathway and transitioning to the second state causes energy to be supplied by to the third electrode via the third electrical pathway.

12. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the trigger arm is configured to contact a third portion of the multi-directional switch when the multi-directional activation button is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction.Attorney Docket No. A0013152W00113. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the multi-directional switch is configured to transition to a third state when the trigger arm contacts the third portion of the multi-directional switch.

14. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 13, wherein transitioning to the second state causes a first type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode and transitioning to the third state causes a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode.

15. An electrosurgical instrument (200), comprising: a housing (204); a shaft (216) extending distally from the housing, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the electrosurgical instrument; an end effector assembly (114) coupled to a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly including a first jaw electrode (128), a second jaw electrode (130), and a third electrode (132), wherein the first jaw electrode is pivotably coupled with the second jaw electrode; first (150), second (152), and third (154) electrical pathways extending from the end effector assembly through the shaft, the first, second, and third electrical pathways electrically connecting the first jaw electrode, second jaw electrode, and third electrode with first (156), second (158), and third terminals (160), respectively; a first activation assembly comprising a first activation button (210) and a first switch, the first activation assembly operable to cause a first type of energy to be supplied to the first jaw electrode via the first electrical pathway when the first activation button is moved in a first direction; and a second activation assembly comprising a second activation button (212a) and a second switch, the second activation assembly operable to cause a second type of energy to be supplied to the third electrode via the third electrical pathway when the second activation button is moved in a second direction different from the first direction.

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