阅读说明：本技术 电外科装置 (Electrosurgical device ) 是由 W·巴特勒 于 2018-01-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及电外科装置。该电外科装置包括：外壳；探针,探针从外壳延伸,探针包括：第一钳口；以及第二钳口,第二钳口能够相对于第一钳口在第一位置和第二位置之间移动；以及可操作机构,可操作机构至少部分布置在外壳内,可操作机构包括第一连杆、第二连杆、第三连杆和第四连杆,其中：第一连杆在第一枢轴处连接至第四连杆且能够相对于第一枢轴旋转；第一连杆在第二枢轴处连接至第二连杆,使得第一连杆的移动使第二连杆相对于第四连杆移动；第三连杆在第三枢轴处连接至第二连杆,使得第二连杆的移动使第三连杆移动；并且第四连杆在第四枢轴处连接至第三连杆,使得第三连杆的移动使第一钳口和第二钳口在第一位置和第二位置之间移动。(The present invention relates to electrosurgical devices. The electrosurgical device includes: a housing; a probe extending from the housing, the probe comprising: a first jaw; and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between a first position and a second position; and an operable mechanism disposed at least partially within the housing, the operable mechanism including a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link, wherein: the first link is connected to the fourth link at a first pivot and is rotatable relative to the first pivot; the first link is connected to the second link at a second pivot such that movement of the first link moves the second link relative to the fourth link; the third link is connected to the second link at a third pivot such that movement of the second link moves the third link; and a fourth link is connected to the third link at a fourth pivot such that movement of the third link moves the first and second jaws between the first and second positions.)

1. An electrosurgical device, comprising:

a housing;

a probe extending from the housing, the probe comprising:

a first jaw; and

a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between a first position in which the first and second jaws are open and a second position in which the first and second jaws are moved toward one another to clamp tissue therebetween; and

an operable mechanism disposed at least partially within the housing, the operable mechanism including a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link, wherein:

the first link is connected to the fourth link at a first pivot and is rotatable relative to the first pivot;

the first link is connected to the second link at a second pivot such that movement of the first link moves the second link relative to the fourth link;

the third link is connected to the second link at a third pivot such that movement of the second link moves the third link; and is

The fourth link is connected to the third link at a fourth pivot such that movement of the third link moves the first and second jaws between the first and second positions.

2. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein proximal movement of the first link pulls the second link at the second pivot, causing the second link to pull the third link at the third pivot simultaneously, and causing the third link to move the first and second jaws from the first position toward the second position simultaneously.

3. The electrosurgical device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first link, the third link, or both are rocker links.

4. The electrosurgical device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second link is a coupler.

5. The electrosurgical device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the fourth link is a ground link.

6. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein the probe further comprises one or more jaw support bars connected to the first jaw, the second jaw, or both.

7. The electrosurgical device of claim 6, wherein the probe further comprises one or more tubes, and the one or more jaw support rods extend through the one or more tubes.

8. The electrosurgical device of claim 7, wherein the third link moves at least one tube of the one or more tubes relative to the one or more jaw support bars to move the first and second jaws between the first and second positions.

9. The electrosurgical device of claim 6, wherein movement of the one or more jaw support bars moves the first and second jaw members between the first and second positions.

10. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein the fourth link is the housing.

11. The electrosurgical device of claim 10, wherein the first link is a pinch lever extending outside of the housing and actuated by a user.

12. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein the second link and the third link are located within the housing.

13. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein the fourth pivot is located above an axis of movement of the probe.

14. The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein the first and second jaws each include a gripping surface configured to provide controlled energy delivery to tissue when the first and second jaws are in the second position.

15. An electrosurgical device, comprising:

a housing;

a pair of jaws movable between a first open position and a second closed position; and

an operable mechanism for controlling movement of the pair of jaws between the first open position and the second closed position, the operable mechanism comprising a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link, wherein:

the first link is connected to the fourth link at a first pivot and is rotatable relative to the first pivot;

the first link is connected to the second link at a second pivot such that movement of the first link moves the second link relative to the fourth link;

the third link is connected to the second link at a third pivot such that movement of the second link moves the third link; and is

The fourth link is connected to the third link at a fourth pivot such that movement of the third link moves the first and second jaws between the first and second positions.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a clamp having a first working arm movable relative to a second working arm, and in particular to an operable mechanism for moving the first working arm relative to the second working arm.

Background

Generally, the forceps are useful for laparoscopic surgery. The clamp can be used to control fine movements within the patient. These clamps may be used to clamp anatomical features. The clamp may include a clamping assembly or a cutting assembly. The clamp may include a power source for holding the assembly. The jaws have a pair of opposing resilient jaws that are closed against each other by pushing the jaws into the distal end of the shaft portion (which grasps a portion of the jaws wider than the distal end opening of the shaft portion) so that the jaws move together. Similarly, the shaft portion may be pushed over the jaws so that the jaws move together to create a clamping force. In both cases, the shaft portion grasps the jaws and acts as a cam that forces the jaws together to create a clamping force. Examples of some clamps having resilient jaws that are closed by a camming action can be found in U.S. Pat. nos. 5,445,638; 6,190,386, respectively; 6,113,596, respectively; 6,679,882, 7,118,587, and 8,734,443; and HALO cutting pliers available from http:// www.olympus-osta.com/halo.htm (last access date 4/3/2014), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

It is attractive for the clamp to include means for controlling the force required to move the working arm. What is needed is a device that facilitates initially moving a trigger that moves one or more working arms. What is needed is a device that facilitates the creation of a clamping force that clamps a feature of interest between two working arms. It is attractive to have the following means: the device has a low initial input force to begin moving the first working arm and the second working arm. What is needed is an operable mechanism that is released once the clamping, cutting or pinch cut has reached a predetermined position or a predetermined force is achieved such that the force required to complete the cutting, clamping or both is reduced.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure meets one or more of the needs by providing: an electrosurgical device, comprising: (a) a probe, the probe comprising: (i) a first jaw; (ii) a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw from a first position in which the first and second jaws are open to a second position in which the first and second jaws are moved toward each other to clamp tissue therebetween; and (iii) one or more jaw support bars connected to the first jaw, the second jaw, or both; and (b) a housing connected to the probe and from which the probe extends, the housing comprising: (i) an operable mechanism, the operable mechanism comprising: (1) a fourth link; (2) a second link; (3) a first link connected to the fourth link by a first pivot and rotatable relative to the first pivot and connected to the second link at a second pivot such that movement of the first link moves the second link relative to the fourth link; and (4) a third link connected to the second link at a third pivot such that movement of the second link moves the third link and a fourth link connected to the third link at a fourth pivot, the third link moving about the fourth pivot to move the one or more jaw supports such that the first and second jaws move between the first and second positions; and wherein the fourth link is a housing and the first link is a pinch trigger extending outside the housing and actuated by a user.

The teachings herein provide for a clamp that includes a means of controlling the force required to move the working arm. The teachings of the present invention provide a means to facilitate initial movement of a trigger that moves one or more working arms. The teachings of the present invention provide a means to facilitate the creation of a clamping force that clamps the feature of interest between two working arms. The teachings of the present invention provide a device that has a low initial input force when starting to move the first working arm and the second working arm. The teachings provide an operable mechanism that is released once the clamping, cutting or pinch cut has reached a predetermined position or a predetermined force is achieved such that the amount of force required to complete the cutting, clamping or both is reduced.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a laparoscopic forceps;

FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a laparoscopic forceps including a fourth bar mechanism in a released position;

FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a laparoscopic forceps including a fourth bar mechanism in a retracted position;

FIG. 4A is a graph showing the change in torque as the fourth bar mechanism moves;

FIG. 4B is a graph showing the change in torque when the fourth bar linkage is moved;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of a fourth bar linkage;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the fourth bar linkage in the release position (i.e., start position);

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the fourth bar linkage in a partially withdrawn position; and

fig. 8 is a plan view of the fourth bar linkage in a retracted position (which is a fully extended position).

2 electrosurgical device

3 Clamp

4 Probe

5 tube

6 jaw

8 support bar of keeping silent

10 handpiece

12 clamping trigger

14 cutting trigger

16 outer casing

18 clamp device

20 driven surface

22 cam surface

30 four-bar mechanism (operating mechanism)

32 first link

33A connecting leg

33B force application leg

34 first pivot

36 second connecting rod

38 second pivot

40 third connecting rod

42 third pivot

44 fourth connecting rod-fixed connecting rod

46 fourth pivot

60 proximal side

62 distal side

64 over-force protection mechanism

66 return mechanism

80 stage 1

82 stage 2

84 stage 3

90 vertical reference line

92 horizontal datum line

100 release position

102 retracted position

104 partially pulled apart position

Detailed Description

The explanations and illustrations provided herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, their principles, and their practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the teachings in a variety of forms depending on the requirements that may be best suited to a particular use. Accordingly, this list of specific embodiments of the present teachings is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings. The scope of the teachings is, therefore, not to be determined with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. As will be gathered from the following claims, other document combinations are also possible, which combinations are hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

The present teachings relate to surgical devices. The surgical device may be a non-powered device (i.e., may provide only mechanical functionality). Preferably, the surgical device is an electrosurgical device. The electrosurgical device may provide one or more treatment currents. Preferably, the electrosurgical device provides two or more treatment currents (e.g., monopolar and bipolar). A treatment current can be passed between the jaws (e.g., bipolar electricity). Treatment current may flow from the jaws to the blade, and vice versa. A treatment current (e.g., monopolar) may flow from the blade to the distal electrode (e.g., grounded terminal pad). The electrosurgical device may apply the electrical current before, after, or while the mechanical technique (e.g., clamping or cutting) is applied. The electrosurgical device may include a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The distal portion may comprise a portion of a forceps device (e.g., jaws, blades, or both). The proximal end may be a user gripping portion (e.g., a handpiece or housing).

The handpiece may act on an enclosure forming the clamp, a user gripping portion, a main portion of the manipulation clamp, a four bar mechanism, or a combination thereof. The handpiece may be any device that houses all or part of the working assembly and the jaw pieces. The handpiece may be comprised of one or more housing structures. Preferably, the handpiece is a two or more housing structure. The handpiece may be any structure that is grasped by the user. The handpiece may be any structure that incorporates one or more of the features described herein to enable the formation of a surgical device. The handpiece may facilitate laparoscopic surgery. The handpiece may be ergonomically shaped. The ergonomic shape of the handpiece can be any shape that allows the clip to be ambidextrous. The ergonomic shape of the handpiece can be any shape such that all controls can be performed with a single hand holding the handpiece. The handpiece may be comprised of a housing structure. The housing structure may be one or more devices that form a handpiece. The housing structure may be any means by which certain parts may be secured in place. The housing structure may form a cavity that houses a working assembly of the clamp. The housing structure may be one or more housing structures, and preferably two or more housing structures. The housing structure may be any device that includes a recess for receiving one or more components of the clamp. The housing structure may house one or more manipulatable mechanisms. The housing structure may house all or part of: the first, second, or third links of the mechanism may be operated. A user may grasp the housing and operate one or more operable mechanisms (e.g., levers, linkages, or four-bar mechanisms) to move the jaws, blades, or both.

The one or more operable mechanisms may be operable to move one or more jaws, both jaws, a blade, or a combination thereof. The one or more operable mechanisms may include a four-bar mechanism, a five-bar mechanism, or even a six-bar mechanism. The operable mechanism may include one or more rods (e.g., a blade support rod, a jaw support rod, or both). The one or more operable mechanisms may be or include one or more levers, linkages, triggers, or combinations thereof. If more than one operable mechanism is present, the operable mechanisms may include one or more common links. For example, each of the operable mechanisms may have a common fourth link. The one or more links may be a cutting lever or a cutting trigger (e.g., a trigger to move the blade), a clamping lever or a cutting trigger (e.g., a trigger to move the jaws between the released and retracted positions), or both. One or more levers may be user actuated to activate inputs of the operable mechanism. One or more levers may be part of the operable mechanism. A lever or trigger may be part of the operable mechanism and a lever or trigger may be separate from the operable mechanism. The one or more operable mechanisms may be any device that can be manipulated or moved by: pressure or force is applied to some portion of the one or more operable mechanisms by hand, finger, foot, or a combination thereof to produce an output movement to the output element or to apply an output force to the output element. The one or more operable mechanisms can be any device to which other moving parts can be connected, such as a tubular member, a cutting assembly, a blade assembly, a functional assembly, a jaw support bar, or a combination thereof. The one or more operable mechanisms may be actuated by both hands. The one or more operable mechanisms may be a single operable mechanism that is coupleable to two different functions and movable to simultaneously perform each function. For example, the operable mechanism may close the jaws and move the blade between the jaws. Preferably, the one or more operable mechanisms may be two operable mechanisms, and each operable mechanism may be actuated to perform a different function. For example, there may be two levers or triggers, and each lever or trigger may actuate a portion of the device. The two operable mechanisms may be a clamp operable mechanism and a cutting trigger operable mechanism. An operable mechanism (e.g., a four-bar mechanism) may be coupled to the clamping lever or the clamping trigger, and a separate four-bar mechanism may be coupled to the cutting lever or the cutting trigger.

The operable mechanism is operable to convert rotational movement into longitudinal movement. The operable mechanism may function to axially move one or more jaws, one or more tubes (e.g., hollow or solid tubes), one or more blades, or a combination thereof. The operable mechanism may include one or more tubes, support rods, or both. Each axially or rotationally movable member may be connected to an operable mechanism. Each operable mechanism may reduce the force or torque required to move one of the links (e.g., cutting lever/cutting trigger or clamping lever/clamping trigger) used to move one or more jaws, one or more blades, or both. The preferred operable mechanism is a four-bar mechanism. The operable mechanism may have three or more force characteristics (e.g., torque if rotational movement, or force if linear movement) or stages.

The force characteristic may have a first phase. The first phase may be a zero phase. In the first stage, a constant force may be required to move the four-bar mechanism. The first stage may continue from the release position to the contact position. For example, the first stage can begin with the jaws opening and continue until the jaws contact each other, the blade, the tissue, the blade contacts the tissue, or a combination thereof. The first stage may move the device with the following torques: about 0.01N-m or greater, about 0.03N-m or greater, or about 0.05, 0.04N-m or greater. The first stage may move the device with the following torques: about 1.0N-m or less, about 0.5N-m or less, about 0.1N-m or less, or about 0.05 or less. The first stage may move the device with the following force applied at about 2 inches from the pivot: about 0.2N or greater, about 0.5N or greater, about 0.75N or greater, or about 1.0N or greater. The first stage may move the device with the following force applied at about 2 inches from the pivot: about 5N or less, about 3N or less, about 2N or less, or about 1.1N or less. The first phase may end when the required force or torque increases. Once the first phase is completed, the second phase may begin and the force required to move the four-bar linkage may gradually increase.

The second stage may act to begin cutting tissue, begin clamping tissue, or both. The second stage may fully clamp the tissue, fully cut the tissue, or both. Preferably, the second stage will begin to clamp tissue, cut tissue, or both, and may continue until such time as tissue is partially cut or partially clamped. The second stage may be in a partially pulled-apart position. The second stage may continue until about 20% or more, about 30% or more, about 40% or more, or about 50% or more of the tissue is cut, compressed by clamping (i.e., the thickness of the tissue is reduced by X% of the total clamp compression), or cut and compressed. The second stage may be continued from when about 100% or less, about 90% or less, about 80% or less, or about 70% or less of the tissue is cut, compressed, or cut and compressed by clamping. The second phase may have a positive slope. The second stage may have a linear slope. As the second phase approaches the third phase, the slope of the second phase may become smaller. The slope of the second phase may gradually decrease as the second phase approaches the second phase to become the peak of the third phase. The second phase may end in the following cases: the over-force protection mechanism has reached its trip point, the jaws are fully compressed, the feature of interest is fully compressed, an angle between the first link and the second link, an angle between the second link and the third link, an angle between the third link and the fourth link, or a combination thereof is achieved. The second stage may move the device with the following torques: about 0.1N-m or greater, about 0.3N-m or greater, or about 0.4N-m or greater. The second stage may move the device with the following torques: about 5.0N-m or less, about 3N-m or less, about 2N-m or less, or about 1.7N-m or less. The second stage may move the device with the following force applied at about 2 inches from the pivot: about 5N or greater, about 7N or greater, about 10N or greater, or about 12N or greater. The second stage may move the device with the following force applied at about 2 inches from the pivot: about 50N or less, about 40N or less, about 35N or less, or about 33N or less. The amount of torque used to move the device may gradually increase during movement of the first link. For example, the amount of torque may be increased from about 1.0N-m to about 1.7N-m as the second stage is ramped up from the first stage to the third stage. Thus, the maximum torque applied may be about 1.7N-m. The second phase may continue until the over-force protection mechanism has reached its trip point, the jaws are fully compressed, the feature of interest is fully compressed, an angle between the first link and the second link, an angle between the second link and the third link, an angle between the third link and the fourth link, or a combination thereof is achieved, and then the third phase may begin.

The third stage may act to complete the cut, complete the linkage stroke, maintain the clamp load, complete the clamp, or a combination thereof. The third phase may be "loose" as compared to the second phase. The third stage may be a steady torque or force to move the device or a linkage of the device. The slope of the third stage may be 0. The third stage may reduce the amount of force or torque required to move the clamp, move the blade, or both. The third stage may have a negative slope. The third stage may have a linear slope. The third stage may have a slope that changes as the third stage moves away from the second stage. The third stage may range from partial clamping to full clamping. The third stage may range from partial to full cutting. The third phase may begin when the force required to move the four-bar linkage reaches a peak and increases or stabilizes. The third phase may end when the full stroke of the lever is completed. The third stage may end when the maximum jaw clamping force or torque is met, or when the maximum blade advanced position is met. The third stage may move the device with the following torque: about 0.1N-m or greater, about 0.3N-m or greater, or about 0.4N-m or greater. The third stage may move the device with the following torque: about 4.0N-m or less, about 3.0N-m or less, about 2.0N-m or less, or about 1.5N-m or less. The third stage may move the device with the following force applied at about 2 inches from the pivot: about 5N or greater, about 7N or greater, about 10N or greater, or about 12N or greater. The third stage may move the device with the following force applied at about 2 inches from the pivot: about 45N or less, about 40N or less, about 35N or less, or about 30N or less.

One or more triggers act to input to the operable mechanism. The one or more triggers discussed herein may be levers, handles, linkages, or combinations thereof. One or more of the triggers can be a cutting trigger, a clamping trigger, or both that, upon actuation, will move into the operable mechanism such that the operable mechanism provides an output. If the trigger is a lever, this lever is a rigid member that opens the pivot. The cutting lever or cutting trigger, the clamping lever or clamping trigger, or both, may be the first link or a corresponding four-bar mechanism of the operable mechanism. The cutting lever, the clamping lever, or both may be the first link. The first link may function to move one or more jaws, one or more blades, a jaw support bar, a blade support bar, a second link, or a combination thereof. The first link can extend between a released position (e.g., a starting position) and a retracted position (e.g., a fully-pulled position with the jaws closed, a partially-pulled position with the blade extended, or a combination thereof). The first link may have two legs.

The two legs of the first link may be a connecting leg and a force application leg. The first link may be substantially "L" shaped. The connecting leg may include one or more pivots, two or more pivots, one or more engagement members connected to the pivots, two or more engagement members connected to the pivots, or a combination thereof. The connecting leg may be connected to the first link, the fourth link, or both. The one or more connection feet may be partially or completely located within the housing. The connecting leg may connect the first link to the second link and the fourth link. One or more of the attachment legs can be connected to the force application leg, and the force application leg can be connected to the attachment leg and extend from the housing.

One or more of the force application legs may be free of a pivot or engagement element (i.e., where the pivot connects to the linkage). The user may contact one or more of the force application feet. The one or more force application feet may move after applying the force, applying the torque, or both. The one or more connection feet may be partially or completely located inside the housing. One or more force application feet may extend from the housing. One or more of the force application feet may have a portion that extends from the housing and a user contacts the force application foot to move the first link such that the connection foot portion of the first link provides an input. One or more of the attachment legs, the force application legs, or both, can be located entirely outside of the housing or partially outside of the housing.

The first link is movable relative to the second link, the fourth link, or both. The first link may be connected to both the second link and the fourth link. The first link may be a rocker link, a coupler link, or a ground link. Preferably, the first link is a rocker link. The first link may not be connected to the fourth link, the second link, the third link, or a combination thereof. The first link is rotatable about a pivot. Proximal movement of the first link (toward the retracted position) can close the jaws, extend the blade, or close the jaws and extend the blade. Moving the first link distally (toward the release position) can open the jaws, retract the blade, or open the jaws and retract the blade. The first link may have a joint member connected at a first pivot, and a joint member connected at a second pivot. The link may extend between the two engagement elements. The engagement element may receive a peg or a connection means allowing the two links to move relative to each other. A portion of the trigger, the lever, or both may extend beyond the engagement element of the link. The first link may be the longest link (e.g., longer than the second link, the third link, the fourth link, or a combination thereof). The first link in the starting position may be positioned relative to one or more reference lines. The one or more reference lines may be vertical reference lines, horizontal reference lines, or both. Preferably, the one or more first links have a varying angle or position relative to a horizontal reference line. A horizontal reference line is a line extending through the first pivot axis and parallel to the tube, the probe, or both. The angle may be between a horizontal reference line and a line extending between the first pivot and the second pivot, and may be small enough when in the starting position to move the jaws, the blade, or both, when the first link is moved. The angle in the starting position, the partially pulled-apart position, or a combination thereof may be: about 5 degrees or greater, about 10 degrees or greater, about 15 degrees or greater, or about 20 degrees or greater. The angle in the starting position, the partially pulled-apart position, the fully pulled-apart position, or a combination thereof may be: about 90 degrees or less, about 60 degrees or less, about 50 degrees or less, or about 35 degrees or less (e.g., in the start position, the angle is about 50 degrees, in the partially pulled position, the angle is about 22 degrees, and in the fully pulled position, the angle is about 18 degrees). The first pivot and the second pivot of the first link may be located near or adjacent to each other.

The first pivot may connect the first link to the fourth link. The first pivot may be connected to two engagement elements (e.g., an engagement element in the first link and an engagement element in the fourth link). The first pivot may ground the first link. The first pivot may be a pin about which the first link rotates. The first pivot may extend from the fourth link to the first link such that the first link is movable relative to the fourth link. The pivots (e.g., first, second, third, fourth pivots) may be cylindrical, bearing surfaces, plastic, metal, coated with plastic, or a combination thereof. The pivot may be a bearing or have a low friction coating (e.g., teflon). The first pivot may be located proximate to the second pivot.

The second pivot acts to move the first and second links relative to each other. The second pivot may connect the first link to the second link. The second pivot may be connected to two engagement elements (e.g., an engagement element in the first link and an engagement element in the second link). The second pivot may allow the second link to move relative to the first link such that the position of the second link moves in a distal or proximal direction (e.g., with some portion of longitudinal movement) relative to the probe, the fourth link, or both. The second pivot may allow the second link to change angle relative to the first link. Whereby the second link and the first link have an angle extending therebetween. The angle between adjacent links may change as the operable mechanism moves from the start position to the partially or fully extended position. The angle may have a first edge extending along the longitudinal axis of the first link through the first pivot in the first link and a second edge extending along the longitudinal axis of the second link through the second pivot of the second link. The angle may change as the first link moves between a start position (e.g., a release position), a partially pulled-apart position, and a fully pulled-apart position (e.g., a retracted position). The angle between the first and second links may be between about 0 degrees and 180 degrees, and preferably between about 90 degrees and about 175 degrees. When the first link is in the starting position, the locked position, or the fully pulled-out position, the angle may be about 45 degrees or greater, about 60 degrees or greater, about 75 degrees or greater, about 5 degrees or greater, or about 90 degrees or greater (e.g., about 103 degrees in the starting position, about 158 degrees in the locked position, and about 165 degrees in the fully pulled-out position). The angle may be about 180 degrees or less, about 170 degrees or less, or about 165 degrees or less when the first link is in the start position, the locked position, or the fully pulled-apart position. The angle changes by about 15 degrees or more, about 25 degrees or more, about 35 degrees or more, or about 40 degrees or more when the first link moves between the start position and the partially pulled-apart position, between the start position and the fully pulled-apart position, or between the partially pulled-apart position and the fully pulled-apart position. The second pivot may be connected to the engagement element of the first link and the engagement element of the second link.

The second link acts to transmit force, torque, or both from the first link to the third link. The second link allows the first link to move an end of the third link a greater distance than the first link would have moved without the second link. The second link may pull an end of the third link or push an end of the third link. The second link may be partially located within the housing. Preferably, the second link is located entirely within the housing. The second link may be the shortest of the links (i.e., shorter than the first link, the third link, the fourth link, or a combination thereof). The second link may be a rocker link, a coupler link, or a ground link. Preferably, the second link is a coupler link. The second link may be pushed when the first link moves from the release position to the retracted position. The second link may be pulled when the first link moves from the release position to the retracted position. The second link may be connected to the third link at a third pivot.

The third pivot may act to allow the third link to move relative to the second link. The third pivot may be connected to two engagement elements (e.g., an engagement element in the second link and an engagement element in the third link). The third pivot moves one end of the third pivot relative to the second pivot in a rotational manner such that an angle between the second link and the third link is changed. The third pivot may move an end of the third link substantially along the longitudinal axis of the probe, the fourth link, or both (e.g., this motion may be arcuate or have less curvature but relatively parallel to the longitudinal axis). The third pivot may be located at one end or end region of the third link, the second link, or both. The third pivot may be located entirely within the housing. The third link may allow an angle between the second link and the third link to change as the device moves between the released position and the retracted position. The second link and the third link may have an angle extending therebetween. The angle may have a first edge extending along the longitudinal axis of the second link through the second pivot in the second link and a second edge extending along the longitudinal axis of the third link through the third pivot in the third link. The angle may change as the first link moves between the start position, the partially pulled-apart position, and the fully pulled-apart position. The angle between the second link and the third link may be in the range of about 90 degrees and about 45 degrees. When the first link is in the start position, the partially pulled-apart position, or the fully pulled-apart position, the angle may be about 30 degrees or more, about 45 degrees or more, about 60 degrees or more, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees or more, or even about 85 degrees or more (e.g., about 67 degrees in the start position, about 85 degrees in the partially pulled-apart position, and about 88 degrees in the fully pulled-apart position). The angle may be about 130 degrees or less, about 110 degrees or less, about 100 degrees or less, or preferably 90 degrees or less when the first link is in the start position, partially pulled apart position, or fully pulled apart position. The angle may vary by about 15 degrees or more, about 25 degrees or more, about 35 degrees or more, or about 40 degrees or more (e.g., about 45 degrees) as the first link moves between the start position and the partially pulled away position, between the start position and the fully pulled away position, or between the partially pulled away position and the fully pulled away position.

The third link may act to move one or more jaws, one or more blades, or both. The third link may move one or more jaw support bars, probes, tubes, solid tubes, blades, blade support bars, or combinations thereof. The third link may move the tube relative to the jaw support bar, the blade support bar, or both. The third link may move the jaw support bar, the blade support bar, or both, relative to the tube. The third link may be connected to the fifth link. The fifth link may be a jaw support bar, a blade support bar, or both. The third link may be connected to the second link and the fourth link. The third link may be a rocker link, a coupler link, or a ground link. Preferably, the third link is a rocker link. The third link may have a pivot at an opposite end. The third link may move in a substantially linear manner. The third link may move in an arcuate manner. For example, the third link may be fixed in the lateral and longitudinal directions by the fourth pivot, but may move in a rotational manner about the fourth pivot such that the third end may move in a generally arcuate manner in a circular motion. The movement of the third link may be short enough such that the movement is substantially linear (i.e., the change in height along the movement of the third link from the peak to the valley may be about 5mm or less, about 3mm or less, or about 1mm or less). The end of the third link connected to the second link may be movable a distance of about 1/2 or less, about 3/8 or less, about 1/4 or less of the length of the second link. Although the third link may move in an arcuate manner, the third link may move a longitudinal distance of about 5mm or greater, about 7mm or greater, about 1cm or greater, about 2cm or greater, or about 3cm or greater, or about 5cm or greater. The third link can be moved a distance sufficient to create a clamping force, cut tissue, grasp tissue, move one jaw into contact with another jaw, or a combination thereof. The third link may be located entirely within the housing. The third link may have a portion extending out of the housing. The third link is movable along a driven surface of the probe, tube, jaw support bar, blade support bar, or a combination thereof. The angle of the third link may vary relative to a reference line (e.g., a vertical reference line) as the third link moves from a start position to a fully-drawn position, from a start position to a partially-drawn position, from a partially-drawn position to a fully-drawn position, or a combination thereof. The reference line may be a vertical reference line. The vertical reference line may be perpendicular to the horizontal reference line, the probe, the tube, or a combination thereof. The angle between the reference line and the third link in the start position, the partially pulled apart position, the fully pulled apart position, or a combination thereof may be about ± 1 degree or more, ± 2 degrees or more, ± 3 degrees or more, or even about ± 4 degrees or more. The third link may be located on a first side (e.g., a positive side) of the vertical reference line when the third link is in the start position, and the third link may be located on a second side (e.g., a negative side) of the vertical reference line when the third link is in the partially-retracted position, the fully-retracted position, or both. Thus, for example, the angle of the third link relative to the vertical reference line may be: about 4.2 degrees in the start position, about-3.9 degrees in the partially pulled-apart position, and about-4.3 degrees in the fully pulled-out position. The angle between the reference line and the third link may be about ± 20 degrees or less, about ± 15 degrees or less, about ± 10 degrees or less, or about ± 5 degrees or less. The third link may extend across the vertical reference line as the third link moves between the start position and the partially or fully pulled-apart position. The third link may contact or move the driven surface. The third link may include one or more cam surfaces that move along or contact the driven surface to move one or more jaws, one or more blades, or both.

The driven surface may act to guide one or more links (preferably, a third link) in a longitudinal direction (and preferably along the probe). The driven surface may connect the third link to the fifth link. The driven surface may be an end of the fifth link. The driven surface may translate the input to a fifth link (e.g., a tube, a jaw support bar, a blade support bar, or a combination thereof) such that the fifth link provides an output. The driven surface may be a surface that acts to move or guide: a jaw support bar, a blade support bar, a tube, a portion of a probe, an arcuate jaw, an arcuate blade, or a combination thereof. The driven surface may be a proximal end of: a jaw support guide, a blade support bar, a tube, a portion of a probe, an actuated jaw, an actuated blade, or a combination thereof. The driven surface may comprise a track. The driven surface may include a groove. The driven surface may have a feature protruding therefrom that contacts a portion of the third link such that the third link is guided in the longitudinal direction of the probe. The driven surface can be located proximal to the probe tube such that when the third link is moved, the tube moves along the probe. The driven surface may be an outer wall of: one or more probe tubes, one or more jaw support bars, one or more blade support bars, or a combination thereof. The third link may contact the first edge, the second edge, or driven surfaces on both edges. The driven surface may have a stopper at the first end, the second end, or both ends such that a travel distance of the third link is limited. The stopper may prevent the third link from moving out of the driven surface. The arcuate movement of the third link may limit its longitudinal movement along the driven surface. For example, in the undamped position, the third link can be in contact with the driven surface, and as the third link moves toward the retracted position (e.g., distally), a gap can be formed between the connector of the third link and the driven surface until the portion of the third link again contacts the driven surface and longitudinal movement is impeded. The portion extending from the third link and contacting the driven surface may be a cam surface.

The one or more cam surfaces may function to contact a tube, a probe, a jaw support bar, a blade support bar, or a combination thereof. One or more cam surfaces may extend from the third link. The one or more cam surfaces may be connected to a tube, a probe, a jaw support bar, a blade support bar, or a combination thereof. The one or more cam surfaces may rotate as the third link advances longitudinally along the driven surface. The cam surface may be movable and the driven surface may be stationary. The cam surface and the follower surface may move together. The cam surface may be located entirely on one side of the third pivot or the fourth pivot. The cam surface may be located on the third link between the third pivot and the fourth pivot.

The fourth pivot may act to ground the fourth link. The fourth pivot may be connected to two engagement elements (e.g., an engagement element in the third link and an engagement element in the fourth link). The fourth pivot may provide rotational movement of the third link relative to the fourth link. The fourth pivot may prevent longitudinal movement, lateral movement, or both of the third link relative to the fourth link. The fourth pivot may enable the 4-bar mechanism to move within the housing such that the four-bar mechanism moves the jaw, the blade, or both between a first position (e.g., open or unclamped) and a second position (e.g., closed or cut). The fourth pivot may be located above, directly above, or both: a first link, a second link, a third link, a first pivot, a second pivot, a third pivot, a probe movement axis, or a combination thereof. The fourth pivot may extend into or be part of the fourth link.

The fourth link may function to ground one or more of the links. The fourth link may act as a stationary member about which one or more of the links rotate, move relative thereto, ground the other links, or a combination thereof. The fourth link may be part of the housing. The fourth link may be connected to the first link and the third link. The fourth link may complete a four-bar mechanism. The fourth link may be the largest link. The fourth link may be a rocker link, a coupler link, or a ground link. Preferably, the fourth link is a ground link. The fourth link may be made of plastic. The fourth link may be a non-movable link. The fourth link may accommodate one or more of the other links. Preferably, the fourth link houses all or a portion of the third link, the second link, or both. The fourth link may receive a portion of the first link, and the first link may extend from the fourth link. The fourth link may be a housing, a body, a grip portion, a handpiece, or a combination thereof of the electrosurgical device. Preferably, the fourth link is a fixed link. The fourth link may ground an end of the return mechanism such that when the application of the force or torque is completed, the first link returns from the second position to the first position.

The return mechanism may facilitate actuation of one or more links. Upon actuation, the return mechanism may return the one or more links to the intermediate position and/or the starting position. The return mechanism may be any device that performs the following functions: biasing one or more of the links to a rest position such that when the first link is actuated and released from actuation, the tubular member, probe, jaw, blade, or combination thereof returns to the rest position. The return mechanism may be located on a distal or proximal side of one or more of the links. The return mechanism may be located on a distal or proximal side of the third link. Preferably, the return mechanism is located on a distal side of the third link. The return mechanism may extend about a pivot. The return mechanism may extend from a first edge of the pivot to a second edge of the pivot. The return mechanism may extend between the handle and the trigger. The return mechanism may pull a portion of the trigger or linkage. The return mechanism may be and/or include a biasing member (e.g., any structure of a spring structure, a resilient member, a compression member, a stretchable member, a member that may be compressed and released, or a combination thereof). The return mechanism may be a return spring or a compression spring. The return mechanism may be connected to the proximal end of: a probe, a tubular member, a first link, a second link, a third link, a fourth link, or a combination thereof. The return mechanism can facilitate moving the first link from the first position to the second position such that jaws (e.g., jaws) of the electrosurgical device are opened. The clamping device may include both a return mechanism and an over-force prevention mechanism.

An over-force prevention mechanism (OFPM) can function to prevent damage to the jaws, blades, links, triggers, handles, or a combination thereof upon contact with a solid part, a solid feature, or both. The OFPM can sag completely and prevent further actuation of the trigger. The OFPM can slip (i.e., can slip to prevent other parts from malfunctioning) while the trigger or linkage continues to have an applied force or torque. The OFPM may facilitate the movement of the clamping device.

The present teachings provide a clamping device. The clamp is operable to clamp an object. Preferably, the clamp is usable to grip a feature of interest during surgery, comprising: a portion of a body, an anatomical feature, a tissue, a blood vessel, an artery, or a combination thereof. The clamp is movable between a first position (e.g., a release position) and a second position (e.g., a retracted position). The forceps may function for use in surgery, e.g., laparoscopic surgery. The clamps may be used charged or uncharged. An electric current may be passed through the clamp so that the clamp is used for an electrosurgery. For example, when tissue is positioned within the jaws and a treatment current can coagulate blood, cauterize, cut, or a combination thereof, the treatment current can flow from one jaw to the second jaw. In another example, a treatment current can flow from one or more of the jaws to a distal electrode (e.g., a reflux end pad). A clamp may generally include one or more working components and sufficient controls to enable the one or more components to function. The jaws may be made up of the parts necessary to perform the listed functions, and may generally include a probe (e.g., a tubular member, a hollow tube, or an assembly of tubes), a handpiece, one or more operable mechanisms to actuate the probe, or a combination thereof. The handpiece may be an assembly of: can form part of the handpiece structure or the housing structure together with the cavity. The jaws may be actuated by one or more operable mechanisms. The jaws can create a sufficient gripping force such that one or more features of the patient's body of interest can be manipulated by the gripping assembly, secured by the gripping assembly, or a combination thereof. The clamp may be comprised of a piece that is extendable through the tubular member. The clamp can be an assembly of parts that are rotatable about an axis (e.g., a rotational axis of the clamp, a longitudinal axis of the tubular member, a longitudinal axis of the clamp, or a combination thereof). The clamp can be clamped and unclamped while rotating. The jaws may be actuated by an actuation mechanism in communication with the jaws. The clamps may be actuated as follows: the two opposing jaws are retracted into the probe (e.g., into one or more tubular members), forcing the two opposing jaws closed. The clamps may be actuated as follows: extending the one or more tubular members away from the handpiece (e.g., distally) such that the one or more tubular members move the two opposing jaws toward each other into a retracted position; forming a clamping force; or both. A clip may generally have two or more opposing jaws, and one or more jaw shafts or legs, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the clamp may have: two jaw shafts or legs, each comprising an actuation section; and opposing jaws attached to each of the jaw shafts or legs.

Two or more opposing jaws may act to create a clamping force. Two or more opposing jaws may be moved toward each other to create a clamping force, clamp a feature of interest, or both. The two or more opposing jaws may be any device that can be used to hold an item of interest during surgery (e.g., laparoscopic surgery). Two or more opposing jaws may function to grip or clamp an item of interest for cutting or applying a monopolar energy source. The two or more opposing jaws may be of any shape and size such that the jaws perform a gripping function, create a gripping force, or both. Preferably, two or more opposing jaws may be a one-jaw configuration and another opposing mirror-image jaw configuration (i.e., identical) that, when brought together, can perform a gripping function. The two opposing jaws may be any two or more structures that are movable relative to each other for performing a gripping function. The two opposing jaws may be any structure that may allow one jaw to be stationary and one jaw to be movable, or any combination thereof. The two opposing jaws may be one solid piece. The two opposing jaws may be formed from two wires shaped to have generally "U" shaped ends. The two opposing jaws may include a gap (e.g., a blade track) to allow insertion of a cutting instrument while maintaining the functionality of two or more opposing jaws.

The gap can be any shape and size such that the blade, functional element, surgical instrument, or combination thereof can extend into the gap of the jaws, the gap between the jaws, or both. A blade, surgical instrument, functional element, or combination thereof may be extended into a gap formed in (or between) two opposing jaws while the two opposing jaws are closed, open, or in a position therebetween. The gap may be formed in opposing jaws, which may be made of wire that may include the gap as it is formed, material that is removable to form the gap, or a combination thereof. The gap (e.g., blade track) may extend along a longitudinal axis of the tubular member, the blade, or both, such that the blade extends axially into the gap during use. The material from which the jaws are made may be formed to include a gap.

The two opposing jaws may be made of any material such that the two opposing jaws may be used to create a clamping force. The two opposing jaws may be made of: a flexible material, an elastic material, a rigid stainless steel, a plastically deformable material, an elastically deformable material, or a combination thereof. The two opposing jaws may be made of an electrically conductive material. The jaws may include a guard cover.

The protective cover may function to prevent electrical leakage, prevent the application of electricity to undesired locations, insulate the wire, form contact locations at predetermined locations, or a combination thereof. The protective cover can protect the outside of the jaw. The protective cover prevents stray currents. The shield can help direct the current to the desired location. The protective cover may be made of an insulating material. The protective cover may be made of and/or comprise: rubber, plastic, polymer, plastic, insulating material, or combinations thereof. The shield cap may cover only a portion of the jaws so that the jaws may be powered.

Two opposing jaws may be used to apply power to a feature of interest, which may be gripped by the two opposing jaws. The two opposing jaws may be a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw and vice versa. The first and second jaws are longitudinally movable relative to each other. Preferably, the first jaw and the second jaw move longitudinally in unison. The first jaw, the second jaw, or both may be laterally movable relative to one another (i.e., linearly movable directly toward and away from one another). The gripping portions of the two opposing jaws may have a surface texture to grip the feature of interest. For example, the surface texture may be smooth, flat, wavy, jagged, textured, including ridges, mouse teeth, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the gripping portions of the two opposing jaws may have serrated edges to allow for a more secure grip. Two opposing jaws may have an edge with a surface that may function similar to a serrated edge to achieve a secure grip. The two opposing jaws may be movable along an axis of the one or more tubular members between a released position and a retracted position by retraction of one of the one or more jaw shafts, movement of the one or more tubular members toward the distal end, or both. The two opposing jaws may include, may be part of, or include and be part of an operable mechanism. At a proximal end of the jaws (e.g., a root of the jaws) protruding from the distal end of the tubular member, the two opposing jaws may have laterally extending arcuate segments.

The arcuate segments may act to form a ramped surface to move the jaws toward one another. The arcuate segment may form a convex surface large enough so that the arcuate segment does not fit inside the probe, the tubular member, or both. The arcuate segments may form jaw shafts, jaw legs, or jaw support bars of the jaw shafts. The arcuate segments may be portions added to the jaw shaft, legs, jaw support bars, or combinations thereof. When the jaws are closed, the arcuate section may have a maximum dimension that is greater than a maximum internal opening of the stylet, the tubular member, or both, such that the arcuate section prevents the jaws from extending into the stylet, the tubular member, or both. Preferably, at least a portion of the laterally extending arcuate segment is wider than the orifice of the tubular member such that axial movement of the tubular member, the jaw shaft, or both moves the two opposing jaws to close the two opposing jaws, create a clamping force, or close and create a clamping force. For example, upon actuation of the operable member, one or more tubular members may move toward two opposing jaws (i.e., in a distal direction or away from the handpiece) and may bias the two opposing jaws toward one another. One or more of the jaws may be free of one or more arcuate segments. The proximal ends of the two opposing jaws of the grasping assembly can each be attached to one or more legs, one or more jaw shafts, or both.

The one or more jaw support bars may function to assist a user in aligning features between two or more opposing jaws of interest, facilitate creating a clamping force between two opposing jaws, provide support for the one or more jaws, extend through the one or more tubular members and/or tubular members, or any combination thereof. The one or more jaw support bars may be legs, jaw shafts, or both. One or more jaw support rods may extend through a central portion of the tubular member, and the one or more jaw support rods may be movable (i.e., parallel, axial, or both) relative to the tubular member. The jaw support bar may generally be any shape that will perform the listed functions. The jaw support bar may be any lightweight material that is sufficiently strong to support the two opposing jaws and support the clamping action of the jaws. The cross-section of one or more jaw support bars may be a solid cylindrical bar, a hollow cylindrical bar, a semi-circular shape, or a combination thereof. The jaw support bar may include one or more flat portions, may include non-arcuate portions, may be asymmetrical, or a combination thereof. The jaw support bar may be flexible, rigid, electrically conductive, elastically deformable, or a combination thereof. Preferably, one or more jaw support bars may form a jaw and fold back onto itself to form opposing jaw legs. For example, the jaw support bar may extend out of the tubular member and bend back into the tubular member such that the portion extending from the tubular member forms a jaw. One or more jaw support rods may extend through and out of the tubular member at: a distal end of the tubular member, a proximal end of the tubular member, or both. The one or more jaw support rods may extend beyond the distal end of the tubular member and may have a functional attachment connected to the distal end of the one or more jaw support rods. The functional attachment may be connected to one or both of the two opposing jaws, or to an attachment having a functional equivalent that performs a gripping function. The relationship of the one or more jaw support bars to the cutting assembly within the tubular member may be as follows: abutting, extending along opposing edges, surrounding, or a combination thereof. One or more jaw support rods may terminate at a distal end region of the tubular member, the inner tube, or both. One or more jaw support bars may include or be connected to a driven surface, one or more biasing mechanisms, or both.

The biasing mechanism may act to move the jaws, the blade, or both from the undamped position to the retracted position. The biasing mechanism may act to create a closing force, a clamping force, or both. The biasing mechanism may function to actuate jaw closure, retract the blade, or both without the need for any other device or feature. The biasing mechanism may act to bias the jaws closed, open, or both. The biasing mechanism may only close the jaws. The biasing mechanism may simply open the jaws. The biasing mechanism may be a combination of: one or more tubes (e.g., tubular members or outer tubes), one or more arcuate segments, or preferably a combination of both. The biasing mechanism may cause the jaws to rotate about an axis. A biasing mechanism may be in communication with each jaw individually. The biasing mechanism may be a jaw closing mechanism. The jaw biasing mechanism may be connected to: a first link, a second link, a third link, a fourth link, or a combination thereof. The biasing mechanism may operate with the cutting assembly.

The cutting assembly may be any assembly of parts capable of being cut. The cutting assembly may function to cut tissue, vessels, arteries, anatomical features, features of interest, or combinations thereof during a surgical procedure. The cutting assembly may be any cutting assembly that may be used in surgery (e.g., laparoscopic surgery). The cutting assembly may be a part assembly having the following features: can fit within, extend through, extend between a pair of opposing jaws, extend between legs and jaws, extend between jaw support bars, extend between jaws, or a combination thereof. The cutting assembly may be any assembly of parts that is capable of rotating independently of or in conjunction with the tubular member. The cutting assembly may be actuated by an actuation mechanism to perform a cutting function. The cutting assembly may be any cutting assembly that may generally be comprised of a blade, a blade shaft, or a combination thereof.

The blade may act to cut the feature of interest. The blade may be any cutting tool that may be used in surgery (e.g., laparoscopic surgery). The blade may be any cutting device that is extendable and retractable through the tubular member. The blade may extend along the probe. The blade may be made of any material that can be sharpened. Sufficiently strong to cut the feature of interest; has biocompatibility; can be conductive; or a combination thereof. The blade may be of any shape such that it can fit within the tubular member and extend into a gap formed between two opposing jaws, between two legs connected to the jaws, or between and between two opposing jaws such that a feature of interest can be cut. The blade may be substantially solid along its length. The blade may have a length such that the blade is long enough to cut the feature of interest. The maximum length of the blade may be equal to the length of the jaws. The length of the blade may be substantially equal to the length of the camshaft lobe. The length of the blade may be less than the length of the projection. The blade may include one or more recesses. The blade may be small enough so that the blade may be received in the tubular member during movement, insertion, or both. The blade may extend into and retract from the gap of the two opposing jaws. The distal end of the blade may have a shaped edge. The blade may extend a distal end of the jaws. The blade may be electrically conductive. The blade may conduct a therapeutic current. The blade may conduct bipolar energy, monopolar energy, or both. The proximal end of the blade may be attached to a blade support rod.

The blade support bar may function to support the blade and assist in moving the blade axially. The blade support bar may extend the blade axially along the axis of the tubular member, or both, and out of the tubular member, or both (e.g., into a gap formed by two opposing jaws). The blade support bar may move the blade axially after movement of the operable mechanism, the four-bar mechanism, the first link, or a combination thereof. The blade support bar may be operative to extend and/or retract the blade via an operable mechanism. The blade support bar may be used to actuate the blade during surgery. The blade support bar may have a shape and size to actuate the blade within the tubular member. For example, the blade support bar may be a wire, a formed metal, a rod, a plurality of combined longitudinal parts, or any similar rigid structure that may fit within and extend through the tubular member. The blade support bar may be made of a material that is lightweight but strong enough to allow the blade to extend through the feature of interest to cut the feature of interest. The blade support bar has a distal end and a proximal end. The blade may be attached to the distal end, the distal end region, or both of the blade support bar. At the proximal end of the blade support rod, at the proximal end region of the blade support rod, or both, the blade support rod may have structure (e.g., a driven surface) to assist the blade in rotating within the stylet, the tubular member, or both.

The probe as discussed herein may include, or may be, a tubular member. The probe may have a hollow cross-section, a solid cross-section, or both. For example, the inner tube may be a solid tube and the outer tube may be a hollow tube. The probe may include a tubular member and an inner tube. The probe may comprise a tubular member extending around all or part of the inner tube. The probe may be a tubular member. The tubular member may function to extend into the patient during a surgical procedure such that a user (i.e., a surgeon) may perform one or more surgical procedures. The tubular member may be a flexible member such that the tubular member may be moved within the patient. Preferably, the tubular member may be substantially rigid such that the tubular member is movable to a desired position. The tubular member includes a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end may be the end of the tubular member that is furthest from the handpiece (e.g., the end of the tubular member that is inserted into the patient). The proximal end of the tubular member may be the end of the tubular member located: near the user, in the handpiece, or both. For example, the proximal end may extend into the handpiece such that manipulation of the one or more operable mechanisms operates the tubular member. The tubular member may include one or more driven surfaces. The one or more driven surfaces may be manipulated by the one or more cam surfaces. The tubular member and its components may be made of any biocompatible material, such as stainless steel, plastic, synthetic materials, natural materials, or combinations thereof. The tubular member may comprise a tubular member subassembly. The tubular member subassembly may include one or more tubes, one or more inner tubes, one or more outer tubes, one or more clamp assemblies, one or more cutting assemblies, one or more rotational mechanisms, one or more operable mechanisms, one or more camshafts, one or more guides, one or more spacer members, or a combination thereof.

The one or more outer tubes may function to close, bias, or both close and bias the jaws. The one or more outer tubes may function to accommodate one or more jaws, one or more blades, or both. One or more tubes may act to bias an actuation mechanism that biases the jaws. One or more tubes may function to protect the inner tube. One or more jaws are movable relative to the inner tube. During movement, the one or more jaws may move axially toward the distal end and the proximal end. Preferably, one or more of the outer tubes may be hollow tubes. To bias the jaws toward each other, one or more of the jaws may extend beyond the inner tube, the jaws, the arcuate segments, or a combination thereof.

The one or more inner tubes may act to form a point of contact with the one or more jaws. One or more inner tubes may be operative to connect to the camshaft. One or more inner tubes may be operative to extend through all or a portion of the tubular member. The one or more inner tubes may form a connection point, including a connection feature (e.g., a pin, bolt, screw, rivet, or a combination thereof) for the one or more jaws. The one or more inner tubes may be connected to the pivot joint of the one or more jaws such that the one or more jaws rotate about the axis. One or more internal tubes may assist in opening and closing the jaws. The one or more inner tubes may be located distal to the one or more tubes. The one or more inner tubes may be part of a tubular member. One or more inner tubes are movable relative to the outer tube. The one or more inner tubes may move axially, rotationally, or both axially and rotationally relative to the outer tube, the camshaft, or both. One or more of the inner tubes may be stationary and the outer tube may be movable relative to the inner tubes. The one or more inner tubes may be substantially the same length as the outer tube. One or more of the inner tubes may be shorter than the outer tube. One or more inner tubes may be in communication with the camshaft. One or more of the inner tubes may be hollow tubes. One or more of the inner tubes may be solid tubes. The one or more inner tubes may contain all or part of the tubes. One or more inner tubes may be located between the tubular member and the tube.

The one or more tubular members may include and/or be one or more tubes, and the one or more tubes (e.g., inner tube, outer tube, intermediate tube between inner and outer tubes) may function to house one or more working components (e.g., a clamping assembly, a cutting assembly, or both). The one or more tubular members may function to receive all or a portion of the one or more functional members (e.g., inner tube, blade, jaws). The one or more tubular members may be any device that may be used to extend the forceps device and any components into the patient. One or more tubular members may assist in actuating the clamping assembly. One or more of the tubular members may include a driven surface. The one or more tubular members may be a cannula. One or more of the tubular members may be flexible. The one or more tubular members may include curves, bends, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the one or more tubular members may be rigid members. More preferably, the one or more tubular members are substantially linear and substantially rigid. The one or more tubular members may be any tubular structure that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, its own longitudinal axis, or both. The one or more tubular members may include a distal end and a proximal end. The one or more tubular members may include a circumscribed circle inner diameter and a circumscribed circle outer diameter. The one or more tubular members may include: a body having a circumscribed circle with consistent inside and outside diameters; and a tapered portion, wherein the circumscribed circle has a larger outside diameter than the body. The one or more tubular members, the camshaft, or both may include one or more segments that are square, circular, elliptical, irregular, or any shape or combination thereof that allows for an increase in the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the one or more tubular members and that may enable rotation about the longitudinal axis. One or more of the tubular members may include an internal cross-sectional dimension that facilitates the functioning of one or more components. The one or more tubular members may extend into the housing, from the proximal end to the distal end, or into the housing and from the proximal end to the distal end.

The one or more housings may function to form a handpiece, to enclose a portion of the operable mechanism, to form a portion of a four-bar mechanism, to enclose a portion of the probe, to enclose the one or more tubular members, or a combination thereof. The one or more housings may be left and right halves. The housing may be multiple pieces connected together. The housing may be made of plastic. The housing may be made of a combination of plastic and metal. The housing may include a clip. The housing may include one or more links (e.g., a cutting lever/cutting trigger, or a clamping lever/clamping trigger) extending therefrom. The housing may house all or a portion of the four-bar mechanism. Preferably, the housing is a fourth link of a four-bar mechanism. The housing may have a first link extending from the housing. The housing is a proximal end (e.g., the end closest to the user) and the jaw or blade may be a distal end (e.g., the end furthest from the user). The jaws, blades, first link, second link, third link, fourth link, four-bar mechanism, tube, or combinations thereof may be movable between a first position (released position) and a second position (retracted position).

The release position may be where no external force is applied to the clamping lever, the clamping trigger, the cutting lever, the cutting link, the first link, or a combination thereof. The release position may be an intermediate position. The release position may be where the jaws are open. The released position may be where the blade is retracted proximally. The release position may be where the linkage moves when the linkage is released and the biasing means biases the linkage to the rest position. After applying the force or torque, the linkage may move from the release position to the retracted position.

The retracted position may be where the feature of interest is clamped, cut, held, or both cut and held. The retracted position may have one or more closed jaws. The retracted position may have the links fully depressed (i.e., retracted). The retracted position may have a blade extending from the distal end of the probe, tube, or both. The retracted position may be where one or more links move toward the user.

Fig. 1 shows an electrosurgical device 2 having a handpiece 10 connected to a jaw arrangement 18. The jaw arrangement comprises a probe 4 having a tube 5 with a jaw 3 comprising a jaw 6 connected to a jaw support bar 8 extending through the tube 5. The handpiece 10 includes a housing 16 having internal components for moving the jaws 6 and blade (not shown). A clamping trigger 12 and a cutting trigger 14 extend from the housing 16, and after movement of the clamping trigger 12, the tube 5 extends along the jaw support bar 8, biasing the jaw 6, and after movement of the cutting trigger 14, biasing the blade (not shown). The electrosurgical device 2 has a proximal end 60 and a distal end 62.

Fig. 2 is an interior view of the electrosurgical device 2 and the interior of the housing 16 showing the operable mechanism (e.g., four-bar mechanism) 30. The operable mechanism 30 includes a first link 32 (which is also the clamping trigger 12) connected to the housing 16 by a first pivot 34. The first link 32 includes a connecting leg 33A and an urging leg 33B. The first link 32 is also connected to a second link 36 by a second pivot 38. The second link 36 is connected to a third link 40 by a third pivot 42. The third link 40 is connected to a fourth link 44 by a fourth pivot 46. The fourth link 44 is also the housing 16 that grounds the operable mechanism 30 such that the operable mechanism 30 moves the tube 5. The electrosurgical device 2 is shown in a released position 100 (i.e., a first or starting position) where the operable mechanism 30 is not pushing a tube 5.

Fig. 3 shows the electrosurgical device 2 in a retracted position 102 (i.e., a second or partially pulled-apart position) where the operable mechanism 30 pushes the tube 5 such that the tube 5 compresses the jaws (not shown) to create a clamping force. After retraction of the clamp trigger 12 (first link 32), the clamp lever pivots about the first pivot 34 such that the second pivot 34 moves distally about the second pivot 38. As the second link 36 moves forward, the lower half of the third link 40 moves distally and the cam surface 22 of the third link 40 moves along the driven surface 20 to actuate the jaws (not shown). The third link 40 is connected to a fourth link 44 by a fourth pivot 46, and the fourth link 44 is the housing 16 and forms a fixed link.

Fig. 4A is a graph showing the change in torque as the operable mechanism (e.g., four-bar mechanism) moves. In a first stage 80, the operable mechanism is free to move a component (e.g., a jaw or blade) and the torque required by the user remains constant. Once the members are brought into contact (e.g., contact with another jaw or contact with tissue), as shown in the second stage 82, an increased amount of torque is required. Once the part has traveled a distance, the required force will gradually decrease (i.e., the slope of the line is negative) in the third stage 84 until full movement is achieved.

Fig. 4B is a graph showing the change in torque when the operable mechanism (e.g., four-bar mechanism) is moved. In a first stage 80, the operable mechanism is free to move a component (e.g., a jaw or blade) and the torque required by the user remains constant. Once the members are brought into contact (e.g., contact with another jaw or contact with tissue), as shown in the second stage 82, an increased amount of torque is required. Once the part has traveled a distance, the desired force will stabilize and remain constant in the third stage 84 until full movement is achieved.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the clamp 3, which includes an operable mechanism 30 connected to the tube 5, the operable mechanism 30 operating the tube 5 or a mechanism (not shown) within the tube. The over-force protection mechanism 64 is located between the third link 40 and the operable mechanism 30. The operable mechanism 30 includes the clamping trigger 12, which is a first link 32. The first link 32 is connected to a fourth link (not shown) by a first pivot 34 and to a second link 36 by a second pivot 38. The second link 36 is connected to a third link 40 by a third pivot 42. The third link 40 is connected to a fourth link (not shown) by a fourth pivot 46.

Fig. 6 is a close-up side view of the operable mechanism 30 in the release position 100 (i.e., the start position). The operable mechanism 30 includes the cutting trigger 14 and the clamping trigger 12, which is a first link 32. The first link 32 is connected to a fourth link (not shown) by a first pivot 34 and to a second link 36 by a second pivot 38. The second link 36 is connected to a third link 40 by a third pivot 42. The third link 40 is connected to a fourth link (not shown) by a fourth pivot 46. The angle (α) is located between: a line extending between the fourth pivot 46 and the third pivot 42, and a vertical reference line 90. The angle (β) extends between: a line extending between the fourth pivot 46 and the third pivot 42, and a line extending between the third pivot 42 and the second pivot 38. The angle (γ) extends between: a line extending between the third pivot 42 and the second pivot 38, and a line extending between the second pivot 38 and the first pivot 34. The angle (δ) extends between: a line extending between the second pivot 38 and the first pivot 34, and a horizontal reference line 92. As shown, the vertical reference line 90 and the horizontal reference line 92 are perpendicular to each other.

Fig. 7 is a close-up side view of the operable mechanism 30 moving from the start position (fig. 6) to the partially pulled-apart position 104. The operable mechanism 30 includes the cutting trigger 14 and the clamping trigger 12, which is a first link 32. The first link 32 is connected to a fourth link (not shown) by a first pivot 34 and to a second link 36 by a second pivot 38. The second link 36 is connected to a third link 40 by a third pivot 42. The third link 40 is connected to a fourth link (not shown) by a fourth pivot 46. The angle (α') lies between: a line extending between the fourth pivot 46 and the third pivot 42, and a vertical reference line 90. The angle (β') extends between: a line extending between the fourth pivot 46 and the third pivot 42, and a line extending between the third pivot 42 and the second pivot 38. The angle (γ') extends between: a line extending between the third pivot 42 and the second pivot 38, and a line extending between the second pivot 38 and the first pivot 34. The angle (δ') extends between: a line extending between the second pivot 38 and the first pivot 34, and a horizontal reference line 92. As shown, the vertical reference line 90 and the horizontal reference line 92 are perpendicular to each other.

Fig. 8 is a close-up side view of the operable mechanism 30 moving from a partially pulled-apart position (fig. 7) to a retracted position 102 (i.e., a fully pulled-apart position). The operable mechanism 30 includes the cutting trigger 14 and the clamping trigger 12, which is a first link 32. The first link 32 is connected to a fourth link (not shown) by a first pivot 34 and to a second link 36 by a second pivot 38. The second link 36 is connected to a third link 40 by a third pivot 42. The third link 40 is connected to a fourth link (not shown) by a fourth pivot 46. The angle (α ") lies between: a line extending between the fourth pivot 46 and the third pivot 42, and a vertical reference line 90. The angle (β ") extends between: a line extending between the fourth pivot 46 and the third pivot 42, and a line extending between the third pivot 42 and the second pivot 38. The angle (γ ") extends between: a line extending between the third pivot 42 and the second pivot 38, and a line extending between the second pivot 38 and the first pivot 34. The angle (δ ") extends between: a line extending between the second pivot 38 and the first pivot 34, and a horizontal reference line 92. As shown, the vertical reference line 90 and the horizontal reference line 92 are perpendicular to each other.

Any numerical values set forth herein include: all values from the lower limit value to the upper limit value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower limit value and any upper limit value. By way of example, if it is said that the magnitude of a component or a value of a process variable, e.g., temperature, pressure, time, etc., is from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, then values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc., are expressly enumerated herein. For values less than one, one unit is considered 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as the case may be. These are merely examples of values that are particularly desirable and all possible combinations of numerical values between the minimum and maximum values listed are deemed to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges include both the endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of "about" or "approximately" in conjunction with a range applies to both endpoints of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to encompass "about 20 to about 30", including at least the endpoints specified.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of …" when used to describe a combination is intended to include the identified elements, components, parts, or steps, as well as other such elements, components, parts, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components, or steps. By using the term "may" herein, it is intended to indicate that any stated attribute that "may" be included is optional.

A plurality of elements, components, parts or steps may be provided by a single integrated element, component, part or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, part, or step may be divided into separate plural elements, components, parts, or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "an" to describe an element, ingredient, component, or step is not intended to exclude additional elements, ingredients, components, or steps.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many application scenarios other than the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above detailed description. The scope of the teachings is, therefore, not to be determined with reference to the above detailed description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein is not intended to foreclose such subject matter, nor should it be construed that the inventors do not intend such subject matter to be part of the presently disclosed subject matter.