BACKGROUND

The present invention relates in general to surgical devices and procedures, and more particularly to minimally invasive surgery.

Surgical procedures are often used to treat and cure a wide range of diseases, conditions, and injuries. Surgery often requires access to internal tissue through open surgical procedures or endoscopic surgical procedures. The term "endoscopic" refers to all types of minimally invasive surgical procedures including laparoscopic, arthroscopic, natural orifice intraluminal, and natural orifice transluminal procedures. Endoscopic surgery has numerous advantages compared to traditional open surgical procedures, including reduced trauma, faster recovery, reduced risk of infection, and reduced scarring. Endoscopic surgery is often performed with an insufflatory fluid present within the body cavity, such as carbon dioxide or saline, to provide adequate space to perform the intended surgical procedures. The insufflated cavity is generally under pressure and is sometimes referred to as being in a state of pneumoperitoneum. Surgical access devices are often used to facilitate surgical manipulation of internal tissue while maintaining pneumoperitoneum. For example, trocars are often used to provide a port through which endoscopic surgical instruments are passed. Trocars generally have an instrument seal, which prevents the insufflatory fluid from escaping while an instrument is positioned in the trocar.

While a variety of different minimally invasive surgical devices are known, no one has previously made or used the surgical devices and methods in accordance with the present invention.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment a surgical device comprises an elongate shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal end of the elongate shaft. An end effector is adapted for attachment to and detachment from the distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector comprises a laterally deflecting arm dimensioned to engage at least a portion of the distal end of the elongate shaft and a ring comprising a first axial position and a second axial position, wherein in the first position the arm can deflect laterally and in the second position the ring circumscribes the arm and constrains the arm from deflecting laterally. The distal end of the inner rod may comprise a pointed tip. The actuator may comprise a manual handle. The end effector may be adapted for in vivo attachment and detachment from the distal end of the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft may be adapted for direct percutaneous insertion. The surgical device may further comprise a spring in the end effector biasing the ring to the second position. The ring first position may be is distal of the ring second position. The surgical device may further comprise a loader dimensioned for receiving end effector. The loader may comprise a locked state where the end effector is locked in the loader and the end effector ring is in its first position, and an unlocked state where the end effector is unlocked from the loader and the end effector ring is in its second position. The arm may comprise a medial tooth that engages a groove in the distal end of the elongate shaft.

In another embodiment, a surgical device comprises an elongate shaft comprising an outer tube and an inner rod positioned in the outer tube. The outer tube and inner rod each comprise a distal end and a proximal end. The inner rod and outer tube each comprise a groove on the distal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod. An end effector is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the distal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod. The end effector comprises a first arm dimensioned to engage the groove of the inner rod; a second arm dimensioned to engage the groove of the outer tube; an outer casing moveable between a distal axial position where the first and second arms can laterally deflect, and a proximal axial position where the first and second arms are constrained from laterally deflecting; and a spring biasing the outer casing to the proximal axial position.

The first and second arms may have a snap fit with the grooves on the inner rod and outer tube, respectively. The first and second arms may each be cantilevered and each comprise a medial tooth dimensioned to mate with the grooves on the inner rod and outer tube, respectively. The surgical device may further comprise a loader dimensioned for receiving end effector. The loader may comprise a locked state where the end effector is locked in the loader and the end effector outer casing is in its distal axial position, and an unlocked state where the end effector is unlocked from the loader and the end effector outer casing is in its proximal axial position. The surgical device may further comprise a second inner laterally deflecting arm dimensioned to engage the groove of the inner rod. In yet another embodiment, a surgical device comprises an elongate shaft comprising an outer tube and an inner rod positioned in the outer tube, the outer tube and inner rod each comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod. An end effector is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the distal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod, the end effector comprising a collet for locking engagement with the distal end of the inner rod. The end effector may further comprise a second collet for locking engagement with the outer tube. The surgical device may further comprise a loader comprising a collet for locking the end effector in the loader.

In another embodiment, a loader for facilitating in vivo attachment and detachment of an end effector to an instrument shaft comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. A loader tube is connected to the distal end of the elongate shaft, the loader tube comprising a distal opening. A collet is positioned in the loader tube, the collet being adapted and sized to receive and engage the end effector inserted through the distal opening. The collet has a locked position relative the loader tube and an unlocked position relative the loader tube. An actuator is connected to the proximal end of the elongate shaft and is operative to select between the locked and unlocked positions.

The loader may further comprise a spring positioned in the loader tube biasing the collet to the unlocked position. A surgical system may comprise the loader; a instrument shaft adapted for direct percutaneous insertion; and an end effector adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the instrument shaft. The end effector may be adapted to engage the instrument shaft in a locked state and an unlocked state. When the collet receives and engages the end effector in the locked position, the end effector may be in the unlocked state; and when the collet receives and engages the end effector in the unlocked position, the end effector may be in the locked state. The collet may be operatively connected to the end effector to switch the end effector between the locked and unlocked states. The loader tube may articulate relative the elongate shaft. The collet in the loader tube may comprise a plurality of cantilevered arms with medially oriented teeth. The teeth may be adapted and sized to engage a circumferential groove in the end effector.

In still another embodiment, a loader for facilitating in vivo attachment and detachment of an end effector to an instrument shaft comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. A loader tube comprises a proximal end connected to the distal end of the elongate shaft and a distal opening. The loader comprises a means for locking and unlocking the end effector in the loader tube. An actuator is connected to the proximal end of the elongate shaft, the actuator being opcratively connected to the means for locking and unlocking.

In another embodiment, a loader for facilitating in vivo attachment and detachment of an end effector to an instrument shaft comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. A loader tube is connected to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The loader tube comprises a distal opening and a collet positioned in the loader tube. The collet being adapted and sized to receive and engage the end effector inserted through the distal opening. The collet having a first position locking the end effector in the loader tube and a second position in which the end effector can be withdrawn from the loader tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating some non-limiting examples of the invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather to illustrate the principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 depicts a surgical instrument with end effector, control shaft, and loader;

Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view on an end effector;

Fig. 3 depicts side and cross-sectional views of an end effector;

Fig. 4 depicts an exploded view of an end effector;

Fig. 5 depicts an exploded view of a loader shaft;

Fig. 6A depicts an cross-sectional view of a loader tube in its locked position;

Fig. 6B depicts an cross-sectional view of a loader tube in its unlocked position;

Fig. 7 depicts an cross-sectional view of a loader tube and an end effector;

Fig 8. depicts an cross-sectional view of an end effector locked in a loader tube;

Fig 9. depicts an cross-sectional view of an end effector locked in a loader tube and a control shaft;

Fig. 10 depicts an cross-sectional view of an end effector locked in a loader tube and a control shaft provisionally attached to the end effector; and Fig. 11 depicts an cross-sectional view of an end effector locked onto a control shaft and separated from a loader.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 illustrates one example of a surgical system. A instrument shaft (300) may comprise an elongate shaft (320) having a distal end (301) and a proximal end (302). The elongate shaft (320) may be rigid and adapted for insertion into a body cavity through an access device, such a trocar, or through direct percutaneous insertion without an access device. The elongate shaft (320) may comprise two or more coaxially nested shafts that move relative one another in response to inputs from the actuator (310).

The actuator (310) is operably connected to the proximal end (302) of the shaft (320). In this embodiment the actuator (310) is a manual pistol grip handle; however, a variety of other manual actuators could also be used, including a scissor grip handle, a syringe grip handle, endoscopic rotary knobs, and the like. The actuator (310) could also take the form of a robotic interface, such as an DAVTNCI puck, a housing comprising gears or pulleys, servomechanisms, and the like.

The end effector (100) is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the elongate shaft (320). The attachment/detachment mechanism includes mating features (330) that engage corresponding collet features in the end effector (100). Relative movement of the coaxially nested shafts actuate the end effector (100).

The end effector (100) in this embodiment includes a pair of surgical jaws (110) having an opened position and closed position. In this embodiment, the jaws (110) are shown as a grasper; however, a variety of other tissue manipulating jaws could also be used, including dissectors, sheers, babcocks, forceps, staplers, clip appliers, and the like. Non-jawed end effectors (100) could also be employed such as hook knives, snares, retractors, and the like. In the case of end effectors that require energy, appropriate energy transmission mechanisms known in the art may be added. For instance, appropriate electrical connections may be added between the shaft (320) and end effector (100) to enable bi-polar forceps. Similarly, an ultrasonic transducer and waveguide may be added for the ultrasonic shears end effector.

A loader (200) may be used to introduce the end effector (100) into a patient's body cavity, typically through an access port, and to facilitate its attachment and detachment of the end effector (100) to the elongate shaft (320). The loader tube (240) receives the end effector (100) through its distal end (201). The loader (200) may comprise an actuator (210), an elongate shaft (220), and loader tube (240). In this embodiment the actuator (210) is a manual pistol grip handle; however, a variety of other manual actuators could also be used, including a scissor grip handle, a syringe grip handle, endoscopic rotary knobs, and the like. The actuator (210) could also take the form of a robotic interface, such as an DA VINCI puck, a housing comprising gears or pulleys, servomechanisms, and the like. The actuator (210) is operable to articulate the loader tube (240) relative the shaft (220) about the joint (205), as well as to lock and unlock the loader tube (240).

Figs. 2-4 illustrate one embodiment of an end effector (100). The end effector (100) comprises a pair of jaws (110A, B) that pivot relative the clevis (111). The driver (114) is connected to the jaws (110A, B) by links (112), so axial motion of the driver (114) relative the clevis (111) will cause the jaws (110A, B) to move between their open and closed positions. The clevis (111) and the tube (124) are both axially fixed to the inner casing (128) as an inner subassembly.

The outer casing (132) is generally tubular in shape and comprises a circumferential groove (134). The pin (120) axially fixes the collar (122) to the outer casing (132) as an outer sub-assembly. The inner and outer sub-assemblies are coaxially nested relative one another. The pin (120) travels in the slot (130) thus facilitating axial movement of the outer sub-assembly between a distal position and a proximal position relative the inner sub-assembly. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the outer sub-assembly is in its proximal position. The slot (130) may define the axial stroke limit of the outer sub-assembly. The spring (118) is interposed between the clevis (111) and the collar (122) and biases the outer sub-assembly to its proximal position.

The driver (114) and tube (124) each comprise a collet mechanism to selectively engage and hold the corresponding mating features (330) on the elongate shaft (320). In this embodiment, the driver (114) comprises a pair of cantilevered arms (116) each having a medially oriented cleat or tooth on the proximal end. The tube (124) comprises a cantilevered arm (126) with a medially oriented cleat or tooth. The number and configuration of the arms (116, 126) may vary. When the outer sub-assembly is in its distal position, the arms (116) may resiliently deflect laterally. Similarly, the arm (126) may resiliently deflect laterally. When the outer subassembly is in its proximal position, the collar (122) circumscribes and constrains the arms (116) to their medial position and prevents them from lateral deflecting. Similarly, the outer casing (132) circumscribes and constrains the arm (126) to its medial position and prevents it from lateral deflecting. When the outer sub-assembly is in its distal position, the end effector (100) may be considered in its the unlocked position, and when outer sub-assembly is in its proximal position the end effector (100) may be considered in its locked position.

Figs. 5-6 illustrate one embodiment of a loader (200). In this embodiment, the shaft (220) comprises a plurality of co-axially arranged rods, including an outer tube (222), an inner tube (226), and an inner rod (228) each operably connected to the actuator (210). The inner tube (226) is axially fixed to the proximal hinge component (232). The outer housing (246) is axially fixed to the distal hinge component (242). The proximal hinge component (232) is connected to the distal hinge component (242) by the pin (234) as the axis of the hinge articulation. Outer tube (222) comprises a distal extension (224) connected to the outer housing (246), so axial movement of the outer tube (222) relative to the inner tube (226) will cause the loader tube (240) to articulate.

The loader tube (240) comprises a collet mechanism to selectively engage and hold the end effector (100). In this embodiment an inner locking tube (248) and outer locking tube (250) are axially fixed to one another as a locking sub-assembly. The locking sub-assembly is coaxially nested within outer housing (246) and can slide axially between a distal position and a proximal position. The spring (244) is interposed between the distal hinge component (242) and the locking sub-assembly, and biases the locking sub-assembly to its distal position. The flexible extension (230) of the inner rod (228) is slideably positioned through the hinge components (232, 242) and is axially fixed to the locking sub-assembly. Pulling the inner rod (228) proximally relative the inner tube (226) will similarly pull the locking sub-assembly proximally and compress the spring (244).

The outer locking tube (250) comprises a plurality of arms (252) with a medially oriented cleats or teeth. The number and configuration of the arms (252) may vary. When the locking subassembly is in its proximal position, the arms (252) may resiliently deflect laterally. Optionally, the arms (252) may be biased laterally outward. When the locking sub-assembly is in its distal position, the outer housing (246) circumscribes and constrains the arms (252) to their medial position and prevents them from deflecting laterally. When the locking sub-assembly is in its proximal position, the loader tube (240) may be considered in its the unlocked position, and when locking sub-assembly is in its distal position the loader tube (240) may be considered in its locked position.

Figs. 7-11 illustrate a sequence of the instrument being introduced for use in the surgical field. Fig. 7 illustrates the loader tube (240) in its unlocked position ready to receive the end effector (100). The end effector (100) may be slid into the loader tube (240) until the cleats or teeth of the arms (252) align with the circumferential groove (134).

As shown in Fig. 8, when the locking sub-assembly is pulled proximally so the loader tube (240) is in its locked position, the cleats or teeth of the arms (252) engage the circumferential groove (134) and lock the end effector into the loader tube (240). Simultaneously, the cleats or teeth of the arms (252) will pull the outer casing (132) distally so the end effector (100) is in its unlocked position. Accordingly, the arms (116, 126) are able to deflect laterally. This configuration is well suited to introduce the end effector (100) into the patient body cavity, typically through an access device in a non-articulated position.

As shown in Fig. 9, the distal end (301) of the elongate shaft (320) can be introduced into the patient body cavity, either through an access device or through direct percutaneous insertion. For direct percutaneous insertion uses, the elongate shaft (320) may be less than about 3mm in diameter. In this embodiment the elongate shaft (320) comprises only two rods: an outer tube (322) and an inner rod (321). The outer tube (322) and an inner rod (321) are coaxially nested and can slide relative one another in response to inputs to the actuator (310). The outer tube (322) comprises a circumferential groove (332) dimensioned to receive the cleat or tooth of the arm (126). The inner rod (321) comprises a circumferential groove (331) dimensioned to receive the cleats or teeth of the arms (116). Optionally, the distal tip of the inner rod (321) may be pointed to facilitate direct percutaneous insertion.

As shown in Fig. 10, the distal end (301) of the elongate shaft (320) can be inserted into the end effector (100) till the cleats or teeth of the arms (116, 126) resiliently deflect laterally and then snap into the grooves (331, 332), respectively. In this configuration, the end effector (100) is provisionally attached to, but not locked onto, the elongate shaft (320).

As shown in Fig. 11, loader tube (240) can be moved to its unlocked position in response to inputs from the actuator so the arms (252) disengage from the groove (134), thus allowing the end effector (100) to be withdrawn from the loader tube (240). Simultaneously, the spring loaded outer housing (132) will bias proximally, thus locking the end effector (100) onto the distal end (301) of the elongate shaft (320). Through operation of the actuator (310), the inner rod (321) may be slid axially relative the outer tube (322), which will in turn slide the driver (114) relative the clevis (111) to open and close the jaws (110) so tissue may be manipulated during surgical procedures. The instrument can then be removed from the surgical field by reversing the sequence of Figs. 7-11.

Having shown and described various embodiments and examples of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and devices described herein can be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the specific materials, dimensions, and the scale of drawings will be understood to be non-limiting examples. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure, materials, or acts shown and described in the specification and drawings.