阅读说明：本技术 一次性使用的外科用器具 (Disposable surgical instrument ) 是由 S·库玛尔 R·曼杜拉 A·H·穆贾瓦尔 于 2020-04-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：一次性使用的外科用器具包括损毁组件,该损毁组件被配置成在将手柄组件的第一和第二壳体半部分开用于再处理时损毁。特别地,损毁组件被配置成在其上可操作地支撑致动手柄,使得对损毁组件的损坏禁止了对致动手柄的适当致动,从而致使外科用器具是不可操作的。(The disposable surgical instrument includes a destruction assembly configured to be destroyed upon separation of the first and second housing halves of the handle assembly for reprocessing. In particular, the break-down assembly is configured to operably support an actuation handle thereon such that damage to the break-down assembly inhibits proper actuation of the actuation handle, thereby rendering the surgical instrument inoperable.)

1. A handle assembly for use with a surgical implement, the handle assembly comprising:

first and second housing halves;

a movable handle movably coupled to at least one of the first or second housing halves;

a crash component, the crash component comprising:

a weakened portion on at least one of the first or second housing halves; and

A first coupling member including first and second engagement portions coupled to respective first and second housing halves, the first engagement portion coupled to the weakened portion, wherein the first and second engagement portions are interlocked such that separation of the first and second housing halves causes the weakened portion to break to inhibit actuation of the movable handle.

2. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable handle is pivotably secured to the weakened portion.

3. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first coupling member is disposed adjacent to the movable handle.

4. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the weakened portion has a thickness of about 0.02 inches.

5. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second engaging portions and the respective first and second housing halves are formed as a single structural piece.

6. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second engaging portions and the respective first and second housing halves are integrally formed.

7. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second housing halves are ultrasonically welded.

8. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first engagement portion of the first coupling member defines a cavity and the second engagement portion of the first coupling member includes a tooth configured to be securely received in the cavity.

9. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the second engagement portion of the first coupling member defines a slot configured to receive at least a portion of the first engagement portion therein.

10. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the break assembly further comprises a second coupling member comprising third and fourth engagement portions coupled to the respective first and second housing halves, the third engagement portion coupled to the weakened portion, the third and fourth engagement portions interlocked such that separation of the first and second housing halves causes the weakened portion to break to inhibit actuation of the movable handle.

11. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the movable handle is disposed between the first and second coupling members.

12. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second coupling members define longitudinal axes that are orthogonal to each other.

13. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second coupling members are adjacent to a pivot of the movable handle.

14. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first or second coupling members comprises a snap-fit configuration.

15. A single use surgical instrument comprising:

a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising:

first and second housing halves;

a movable handle pivotably coupled to at least one of the first or second housing halves about a pivot;

a crash component, the crash component comprising:

a weakened portion on at least one of the first or second housing halves; and

a first coupling member including first and second engagement portions coupled to respective first and second housing halves, the first engagement portion coupled to the weakened portion, wherein the first and second engagement portions are coupled to each other such that separation of the first and second housing halves causes the weakened portion to break to inhibit actuation of the movable handle about the pivot;

An elongate member extending distally from the handle assembly; and

an end effector supported on the elongate member and operably coupled to the handle assembly.

16. A single use surgical instrument as recited in claim 15, wherein the first and second engagement portions of the first coupling member have a snap-fit configuration.

17. A single use surgical instrument as recited in claim 15, wherein the first coupling member is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis defined through the elongated member.

18. The single use surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the second engagement portion defines a slot configured to receive at least a portion of the first engagement portion therein.

19. A single use surgical instrument as recited in claim 15, wherein the first coupling member is disposed adjacent the pivot.

20. A single use surgical handle assembly comprising:

first and second housing halves, the first housing half having: a first portion having a first thickness; and a second portion having a second thickness less than the first thickness;

A movable handle movably coupled to the second portion of the first housing;

a crash component, the crash component comprising:

a first coupling member including first and second snap-fit portions coupled to respective first and second housing halves, the first snap-fit portion coupled to the second portion of the first housing half, wherein the first and second snap-fit portions are interlocked such that separation of the first and second housing halves causes the second portion of the first housing to collapse to inhibit actuation of the movable handle.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of surgical instruments. In particular, the present disclosure relates to surgical instruments including disposable uses that include a destructible housing that inhibits reprocessing thereof.

Background

Instruments, such as electrosurgical forceps, are commonly used in open and minimally invasive surgical procedures to coagulate, cauterize and seal tissue. Such forceps typically include a pair of jaw members that can be controlled by a surgeon to grasp target tissue, such as, for example, a blood vessel. The jaw members may be approximated to apply a mechanical clamping force to tissue and associated with at least one electrode to permit delivery of electrosurgical energy to the tissue. It has been shown that the combination of the mechanical clamping force and the electrosurgical energy engages adjacent layers of tissue captured between the jaw members. When the adjacent layers of tissue include the walls of a blood vessel, sealing the tissue may cause hemostasis, which may aid in transection of the sealed tissue.

Bipolar electrosurgical forceps typically include opposing electrodes disposed on the clamping surfaces of the jaw members. The electrodes are charged to opposite potentials so that electrosurgical current may be selectively delivered through tissue grasped between the electrodes. To achieve a proper seal, particularly in relatively large blood vessels, the pressure applied to the blood vessel and the gap distance established between the electrodes is controlled.

Such a device may be a disposable device that is pre-packaged to be sterile. Such a single-use instrument reduces the logistical burden and helps ensure that the medical professional uses the sterile instrument in its optimal state.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a handle assembly for use with a surgical implement comprises: first and second housing halves; a movable handle movably coupled to at least one of the first or second housing halves; and breaking-away components. The damage component comprises: a weakened portion on at least one of the first or second housing halves; and a first coupling member including first and second engagement portions coupled to the respective first and second housing halves. The first engagement portion is coupled to the weakened portion. The first and second engagement portions are interlocked such that separation of the first and second housing halves causes the weakened portion to break to inhibit actuation of the movable handle.

In an embodiment, the movable handle may be pivotally secured to the weakened portion.

In another embodiment, the first coupling member may be disposed adjacent to the movable handle.

In yet another embodiment, the weakened portion may have a thickness of about 0.02 inches.

In yet another embodiment, the first and second engaging portions and the respective first and second housing halves may be formed as a single structural piece.

In yet another embodiment, the first and second engaging portions and the respective first and second housing halves may be integrally formed.

In an embodiment, the first and second housing halves may be ultrasonically welded.

In another embodiment, the first engagement portion of the first coupling member may define a cavity and the second engagement portion of the first coupling member may include a tooth configured to be securely received in the cavity.

In yet another embodiment, the second engagement portion of the first coupling member may define a slot configured to receive at least a portion of the first engagement portion therein.

In yet another embodiment, the destruct assembly can further include a second coupling member including third and fourth engagement portions coupled to the respective first and second housing halves. The third engagement portion may be coupled to the weakened portion. The third and fourth engagement portions may be interlocked such that separation of the first and second housing halves causes the weakened portion to break to inhibit actuation of the movable handle.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the movable handle may be disposed between the first and second coupling members.

In yet another embodiment, the first and second coupling members may define longitudinal axes that are orthogonal to each other.

In yet another embodiment, the first and second coupling members may be adjacent to a pivot of the movable handle.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first or second coupling members may comprise a snap-fit arrangement.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a single use surgical instrument comprises: a handle assembly; an elongate member extending distally from the handle assembly; and an end effector supported on the elongate member and operably coupled to the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes: first and second housing halves; a movable handle pivotably coupled to at least one of the first or second housing halves about a pivot; and destroying the component. The damage component comprises: a weakened portion on at least one of the first or second housing halves; and a first coupling member including first and second engagement portions coupled to the respective first and second housing halves. The first engagement portion is coupled to the weakened portion. The first and second joints are coupled to each other such that separation of the first and second housing halves causes the weakened portion to break to inhibit actuation of the movable handle about the pivot.

In an embodiment, the first coupling member may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongate member.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a single use handle assembly comprises: first and second housing halves; a movable handle; and destroying the component. The first housing half has: a first portion having a first thickness; and a second portion having a second thickness less than the first thickness. The movable handle is movably coupled to the second portion of the first housing. The break assembly includes a first coupling member including first and second snap-fit portions coupled to respective first and second housing halves. The first snap-fit portion is coupled to the second portion of the first housing half. The first and second snap-engagement features are interlocked such that separation of the first and second housing halves causes the second portion of the first housing to collapse to inhibit actuation of the movable handle.

Drawings

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the handle assembly of the single use surgical instrument of FIG. 1 with the first housing half removed;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the handle assembly of the single use surgical instrument of FIG. 1 with the second housing half removed; and

fig. 4-6 are partial perspective views of the handle assembly of the single use surgical instrument of fig. 1 with portions of the first and second housing halves removed.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein, the term "distal" as is conventional will refer to the portion of an instrument, device, apparatus, or component thereof that is farther from the user, while the term "proximal" will refer to the portion of an instrument, device, apparatus, or component thereof that is closer to the user. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail.

Fig. 1 illustrates a surgical instrument 100 generally including a handle assembly 112 supporting various actuators thereon for remotely controlling an end effector 114 via a long shaft 116. The surgical instrument 100 is a single-use device that is discarded after use. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, handle assembly 112 includes a break-down assembly 500 (fig. 3) to inhibit reprocessing and reuse of single use surgical instrument 100. While this configuration is generally associated with instruments for use in laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical procedures, various aspects of the present disclosure may also be practiced using conventional open instruments as well as in conjunction with endoluminal procedures.

The handle assembly 112 is comprised of a first housing half 112a and a second housing half 112 b. The first and second housing halves 112a, 112b may be joined by, for example, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or other suitable assembly methods. Handle assembly 112 has a stationary handle 120, a movable handle 122, a trigger 126, and a knob 128. The movable handle 122 is operable to move the end effector 114 between: an open configuration wherein a pair of opposed upper and lower jaw members 130, 132 are disposed in spaced relation to one another; and a closed or clamped configuration, wherein jaw members 130, 132 are closer together. The proximity of the movable handle 122 to the stationary handle 120 moves the end effector 114 into the closed configuration, and the spacing of the movable handle 122 from the stationary handle 120 transitions the end effector 114 into the open configuration. The trigger 126 is operable to extend and retract a blade (not shown) through the end effector 114 when the end effector 114 is in a closed configuration. The knob 128 rotates the elongate shaft 116 and the end effector 114 about a longitudinal axis "a-a" defined through the elongate shaft 116.

To electrically control the end effector 114, the stationary handle 120 supports a first switch 137 thereon, such as, for example, a depressible button operable by a user to initiate and terminate the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the end effector 114. When movable handle 122 is moved proximally to an actuated or approximated position, first switch 137 may be engaged by a button activation post 138 extending from proximal side 123 of movable handle 122. The first switch 137 is in electrical communication with the electrosurgical generator 141 via suitable electrical wiring (not expressly referenced) that extends from the housing 112 through a cable 143 that extends between the housing 112 and the electrosurgical generator 141. Generator 141 may include devices such as those sold by CovidienContainer-sealed generator andan electric generator. The cable 143 may include a connector (not shown) thereon such that the surgical instrument may be selectively electrically coupled to the generator 141.

Fig. 2 and 3 illustrate the first and second housing halves 112a, 112b of the handle assembly 112 including a break-down assembly 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The break-down assembly 500 is configured to inhibit reprocessing and reuse of the surgical instrument 100 by breaking or damaging the handle assembly 112 when the first and second housing halves 112a, 112b are separated for reprocessing, thereby rendering the single use surgical instrument 100 inoperable. In one embodiment, the destruct assembly 500 is disposed adjacent to a movable handle 122 that is pivotally supported on the handle assembly 112 about a pivot 122 a. In particular, the destruct assembly 500 includes a weakened portion 510 on the second housing half 112 b. The weakened portion 510 pivotally supports the movable handle 122 thereon. For example, the pivot 122a may be provided on the weakened portion 510. To help damage housing assembly 112 to render surgical instrument 100 inoperable, weakened portion 510 may have a reduced thickness to facilitate damage when first and second housing halves 112a, 112b are separated. For example, weakened portion 510 may include a thickness of about 0.02 inches. In one embodiment, the thickness may be less than about 0.02 inches. Alternatively, weakened portion 510 may be formed from a frangible or frangible material.

The destructing assembly 500 further includes first and second coupling members 520 (fig. 4), 540 (fig. 6) secured to the weakened portion 510. The pivot 122a of the movable handle 122 may be disposed between the first and second coupling members 520, 540.

First coupling member 520 includes a first engagement portion 520a secured to first housing half 112a and a second engagement portion 520b secured to second housing half 112 b. The first joint 520a and the first housing half 112a may be formed as a single construct, and similarly, the second joint 520b and the second housing half 112b may be formed as a single construct. For example, first joint 520a and first housing half 112a may be integrally formed, and similarly, second joint 520b and second housing half 112b may be integrally formed. Additionally, the first and second engagement portions 520a, 520b may include a snap-fit arrangement. In particular, first engagement portion 520a projects inwardly from first housing half 112a and defines a cavity 522. The first engagement portion 520a may have, for example, a rectangular profile that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis "a-a" (fig. 1) of the elongate shaft 116.

Second engagement portion 520b projects inwardly from second housing half 112 b. The second engagement portion 520b defines a slot 532 having a configuration complementary to the configuration of the first engagement portion 520a to receive at least a portion of the first engagement portion 520a therein. For example, the second engagement portion 520b may have a profile, such as a C-shape or a U-shape. For example, the length of the second engagement portion 520b may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis "a-a" of the elongate shaft 116. In addition, the second engagement portion 520b further includes teeth 530 that extend into the slots 532 such that when the first engagement portion 520a is received in the slots 532 of the second engagement portion 520, the teeth 530 are configured to be securely received in the cavities 522 of the first engagement portion 520a to form an interlocking structure.

The second coupling member 540 may have a similar configuration as the first coupling member 520. The second coupling member 540 includes a first engagement portion 540a coupled to the first housing half 112a and a second engagement portion 540b coupled to the weakened portion 510 of the second housing half 112 b. The first joint 540a and the first housing half 112a may be formed as a single construct, and the second joint 540b and the second housing half 112b may be formed as a single construct. For example, the first and second engaging portions 540a, 540b and the respective first and second housing halves 112a, 112b may be integrally formed. First engagement portion 540a projects inwardly from first housing half 112a and defines a cavity 542. The first engagement 540a may have, for example, a rectangular profile extending substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis "a-a" of the elongate shaft 116. Second engagement portion 540b projects inwardly from second housing half 112 b. The second engagement portion 540b defines a slot 542 sized to receive at least a portion of the first engagement portion 540 a. For example, the second engagement portion 540b has a configuration that is complementary to the configuration of the first engagement portion 540, such as, for example, a C-shaped or U-shaped profile. For example, the length of the second engagement portion 540b extends substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis "X-X". In addition, the second engagement portion 540b also includes teeth 550 that extend into the slots 542 such that when the first engagement portion 540a is received in the slots 542 of the second engagement portion 540b, the teeth 550 are configured to be securely received in the cavities 542 of the first engagement portion 540a when the first and second engagement portions 540a, 540b are mated. In this configuration, the first and second coupling members 520, 540 are substantially orthogonal to one another such that various forces applied to the handle assembly 112 during separation of the first and second housing halves 112a, 112b ensure damage to the weakened portion 510, i.e., by making the movable handle 122 unable to be properly supported, to render the surgical instrument 100 inoperable.

Fig. 4-6 illustrate the handle assembly 112 in an assembled state, wherein the first and second housing halves 112a, 112b are interlocked by the first and second coupling members 520, 540 such that separation of the first and second housing halves 112a, 112b causes the weakened portion 510 to break, rendering the surgical instrument 100 inoperable, as explained above. In particular, fig. 4 and 5 illustrate that the first engagement portion 520a of the first coupling member 520 mates with the second engagement portion 520 b. The teeth 530 of the second engagement portion 520b have an angled portion 530a configured to facilitate receipt of the teeth 530 in the cavities 522 of the first engagement portion 520 a. The tooth 530 also includes an engagement portion 530b in planar contact with the cavity 522. In this configuration, the teeth 530 may travel in a single direction toward the cavity 522 to be mated. However, once the teeth 530 are placed within the cavities 522, the teeth 530 interlock with the cavities 522 and are securely retained within the cavities 522. In this manner, after the first and second housing halves 112a, 112b are assembled, the first and second engagement portions 520a, 520b function as a single structural member.

Fig. 6 illustrates the second coupling member 540 in an assembled state. In particular, the first engagement portion 540a mates with the second engagement portion 540b to form an interlocking structure. Teeth 550 of second joint 540b have a sloped portion 550a configured to facilitate insertion of teeth 550 in cavities 542 of first joint 540 a. Tooth 550 also includes an engagement portion 550b in planar contact with cavity 542. In this configuration, the teeth 550 may travel in a single direction toward the cavity 542 to be mated. However, once teeth 550 are placed within cavities 542, teeth 550 are securely retained within cavities 542. In this manner, after the first and second housing halves 112a, 112b are assembled, the first and second engagement portions 540a, 540b function as a single structural element such that separation of the first and second housing halves 112a, 112b causes the weakened portion 510 to break, rendering the handle assembly 112 inoperable, as previously discussed.

Although the embodiment illustrates the weakened portion 510 disposed in the second housing half 112b, it is contemplated that the weakened portion 510 may be disposed in both the first and second housing halves 112a, 112b and coupled with the respective first and second engagement portions 520a, 540a, 520b, 540 b. Alternatively, the weakened portion 510 may be placed only in the first housing half 112 a. Although the illustrated single use surgical instrument 100 comprises electrosurgical forceps, it is contemplated that the single use surgical instrument 100 may be configured for use with other tool assemblies.

In use, a clinician may desire to clamp and seal tissue between jaw members 130, 132 of end effector 114. To move the end effector 114 from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the movable handles 122 are generally moved from a spaced apart position toward an approximated position. Movable handle 122 is moved to a fully closed position whereby actuating post 138 of movable handle 122 contacts first switch 137. Upon actuation of first switch 137 with activation post 138, electrosurgical energy is delivered from electrosurgical generator 141 to end effector 114 to seal tissue disposed between jaw members 130, 132. After the procedure, the single use surgical instrument 100 is discarded. However, any attempt to reprocess the surgical instrument 100 in order to reuse the disposable surgical instrument 100 renders the surgical instrument 100 inoperable. As discussed above, the separation of the first and second housing halves 112a, 112b for reprocessing damages the weakened portion 510, which inhibits proper actuation of the movable handle 122.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the scope of the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity or understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.