Surgical Instrument Trigger Lockout Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments with multiple triggers are prone to user error, such as actuating the cutting or sealing trigger before the tissue is fully grasped or releasing the grasp during the cutting/sealing process, leading to incomplete or non-existent tissue transection and sealing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a selective trigger lockout mechanism that prevents the actuation of a first trigger until a second trigger is properly actuated and locked, and prevents the release of the first trigger until the second trigger is fully released, ensuring that the tissue is sufficiently grasped and the cutting/sealing process is completed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate control triggers are provided for jaw closure and tissue transection/sealing, then the instrument can perform multiple functions, but user error can occur where triggers are actuated in incorrect sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by preventing actuation of the second trigger until the first trigger is properly actuated. The lock arm blocks the second trigger's movement path, creating a preventive barrier against incorrect sequencing before the error can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm serves as an intermediary mechanism between the two triggers. It mediates the interaction by translating the state of the first trigger into a permissive or blocking condition for the second trigger, ensuring proper sequencing without direct coupling of the triggers.
2Reliability
If a lockout mechanism is added to prevent trigger misactuation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout function is segmented into distinct components: the lock arm, the blocking feature, and the trigger mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, making the overall system easier to understand, manufacture, and maintain despite the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a purely mechanical lockout mechanism without electronic sensors, controllers, or power sources. The mechanical interaction between the lock arm and trigger components provides the lockout function through physical interference, eliminating the need for complex electronic control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the first trigger can be released immediately after actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but tissue seal integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by preventing release of the first trigger until the second trigger is fully released. This ensures that jaw closure is maintained throughout the entire tissue transection and sealing process, preventing premature release that could compromise seal integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Instruments and methods for providing selective surgical instrument trigger lockout are provided herein. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument can include a distal end effector, a proximal actuator portion, a first trigger, a second trigger, and a lock arm. The lock arm can be configured to move between a first position, in which it interferes with actuation of the first trigger, and a second position, in which it permits actuation of the first trigger. Further, actuation of the second trigger can be effective to move the lock arm from the first position to the second position. Actuation of the first trigger can therefore be prevented if the second trigger is not already actuated. Selective trigger lockout can be useful in a variety of instruments, including, for example, surgical instruments that grasp, seal, and transect tissue.