WO2021033794A1

WO2021033794A1 - Instrument for laparoscopic surgery

Info

Publication number: WO2021033794A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/010541
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hee-seung YOON; Yoon-Young Lee
Original assignee: Daiwha Corp Ltd
Current assignee: Daiwha Corp Ltd
Priority date: 2019-08-20
Filing date: 2019-08-20
Publication date: 2021-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-20
Also published as: KR102238751B1; KR102284536B1; KR20210023786A; CN111954500B; KR102106746B1; KR20210023800A; CN111954500A

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an instrument for laparoscopic surgery including: a pipe portion which includes an outer pipe formed into a cylindrical shape and an inner pipe capable of moving in a longitudinal direction within the outer pipe; a forceps portion which formed at one end of the pipe portion; and a handle portion which is connected to another end of the pipe portion and controls movement of the forceps portion, wherein the forceps portion includes: a shaft which is inserted into the interior of the inner pipe and transmits ultrasonic wave generated from the handle portion; and a jaw which compresses a part of a body together with the shaft and cuts at least a part of tissue or blood vessel of the body on the basis of oscillation energy and heat energy generated by the ultrasonic wave, and the handle portion includes: a lever unit which allows a user to compress at least a part of the body by operating the shaft and the jaw and transmitting the ultrasonic wave to tissue or blood vessel; a spring unit which is connected to the lever unit and controls movement of the inner pipe; and a power connector which is connected with a cable of a power supply portion and supplies power.

Description

INSTRUMENT FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY

The present disclosure relates to an instrument for laparoscopic surgery. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an instrument for laparoscopic surgery including a pipe portion formed into a cylindrical shape and having a shaft thereinside, an upper jaw formed at one end of the pipe portion and having an opening portion which is formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, a forceps portion having a lower jaw which are hinge-connected with a upper jaw at one end, and a handle portion connected to another end of the pipe portion and having a lever unit, a spring unit, a transducer, a housing and a power connecter.

Laparoscopic surgery is a type of surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to perform the operation with watching the interior of the abdomen by making a small incision at the side of the abdomen and leading the gas thereinto.

Compared to laparotomy involving a large incision in the abdomen, the laparoscopic surgery has advantages including a small incision and consequently faster recovery time, and thus has been preferred recently.

The laparoscope is used to examine organs in the abdomen and to carry out surgery, allowing treating a number of patients. Thus, surgical instruments including a probe have been developed, allowing examination and surgery through such a minimal incision. In particular, surgical instruments have been developed which allows incising the surgical part using ultrasonic wave.

Korean Patent application No. 2014-0147843 discloses a surgical instrument using ultrasonic wave, which incises the surgical site by maximizing ultrasonic intensity.

However, even though ultrasonic intensity is a crucial factor for cutting off a surgical site or a blood vessel, it is also a crucial technique to hold a target accurately without damaging a cut site.

It may cause blooding, or slow down recovery when the tissue or blood vessel of the surgical site is damaged.

Further, Korean Patent Application No. 2014-0079785 discloses a surgical instrument with integral knife blade which cuts off blood vessel or tissue by operating a knife member.

However, such a knife member has a blade having a linear or concave semicircular shape. Thus, when cutting off a blood vessel or a tissue, such the knife member lets the blood vessel be moved aside, causing difficulty in cutting thereof, and further damaging the blood vessel as being moved or being cut at a number of points.

Therefore, it is needed to develop an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing a blood vessel or a tissue accurately.

Also, it is need to develop an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing minimizing damage on the blood vessel when cutting off the same.

In addition, it occasionally happens that it is unable to find out an accurate holding point at a time when holding a tissue or a blood vessel. At this time, if holding the tissue or the blood vessel strongly, it may cause damage on an irrelevant site. It may also damage an instrument for laparoscopic surgery. Thus, it is need to solve the aforementioned drawbacks.

Further, as rotation is induced inside an injection from processes for generating ultrasonic wave by piezoelectric element, amplifying the ultrasonic wave by a horn and moving a piezo body back and forwardly by received ultrasonic wave (oscillation), it may cause problems, such as a loss due to interference (for example, collision with the piezo case 1332 and the piezo cap 1334), noise, etc.

Further, the forceps portion rotates through 360 degrees corresponding to a 360-degree rotation of a wheel and a pipe portion also rotates according to the rotation of the wheel. At this time, it may be a problem that a cable of a power supply portion connected with the end of a handle portion rotates along therewith.

Accordingly, necessities for developing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery have been increased in order to resolve the aforementioned problems.

The present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery. Particularly, the present invention provides a user with an instrument for laparoscopic surgery including a pipe formed into a cylindrical shape and having a shaft thereinside, an upper jaw formed at one end of the pipe portion and having an opening portion which is formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, a forceps portion having a lower jaw which are hinge-connected with a upper jaw at one end, and a handle portion connected to another end of the pipe portion and having a lever unit, a spring unit, a transducer, a housing and a power connecter.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing holding a blood vessel strongly, followed by cutting the same accurately.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing guessing the strength of force applied to a target when pulling a lever and subsequently providing a good feeling in the use thereof.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing cutting off a blood vessel or a tissue neatly.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing minimizing damage on a blood vessel or a tissu when cutting off the same.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery in which 3 sides of the end portion of a jaw are structured to merge into the center, so as to be adapted for tissue dissection, and such a V shaped structure allows fixing a tissue pad firmly.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, which includes one or more buttons, is available to control and use output by pressing the buttons, and has a Seal & Cut button and a Seal button, separately.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing controlling the pressure of a tissue through one spring and one rubber block according to the pressure strength of an end-effector, wherein the pressure is double-absorbed by the spring as the first stage and the rubber block as the second stage.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, which has a plurality of piezoelectric elements, allowing absorbing interference generated from the process for converting power to ultrasonic wave by the first, second and third rubbers, respectively and subsequently allowing stable operation.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery in which a negative (-) electrode plate connected with a spring encloses the outer of a positive (+) electrode plate connected with the spring, and a cable is fixed regardless of the rotation of a transducer, allowing current flow.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing fixing the cable by the second plate using a pogopin and subsequently allowing current flow, even though the first plate is rotated by the rotation of the transducer.

In the meantime, technical problems to be solved in the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned problems, and other technical problems, which are not mentioned above, may be clearly understood from the following descriptions by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

According to the one aspect of the present disclosure, an instrument for laparoscopic surgery may include: a pipe portion which includes an outer pipe formed into a cylindrical shape and an inner pipe capable of moving in a longitudinal direction within the outer pipe; a forceps portion which formed at one end of the pipe portion; and a handle portion which is connected to another end of the pipe portion and controls movement of the forceps portion, wherein the forceps portion may include: a shaft which is inserted into the interior of the inner pipe and transmits ultrasonic wave generated from the handle portion; and a jaw which compresses a part of a body together with the shaft and cuts at least a part of tissue or blood vessel of the body on the basis of oscillation energy and heat energy generated by the ultrasonic wave, and the handle portion may include: a lever unit which allows a user to compress at least a part of the body by operating the shaft and the jaw and transmitting the ultrasonic wave to tissue or blood vessel; a spring unit which is connected to the lever unit and controls movement of the inner pipe; and a power connector which is connected with a cable of a power supply portion and supplies power.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, one end of the jaw may be connected with at least a part of the inner pipe by a pivot and the jaw may rotate about a connected pivot axis and be engaged with the shaft, allowing performing the compression and cutting.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the jaw may include: a supporting portion of which a upper surface has a curved shape; and a clamp pad which is inserted into and connected to the supporting portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the clamp pad may be inserted into and connected to the supporting portion into a V shape.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner side surface of the clamp pad toward the shaft may be coated with Teflon for insulation, and a bottom surface of a Teflon coat may have a lattice shape, allowing supporting the compression.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an end portion of the supporting portion may have a streamlined shape and the end portion may be structured to merge 3 sides thereof into the center.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, if the spring unit is compressed as the user pulls the lever unit, the inner pipe may move toward the handle portion and the shaft and the jaw may be closed, allowing compressing at least a part of the body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, if the spring unit is restored as the user release the lever unit, the inner pipe may move toward the forceps portion and the shaft and the jaw may be opened, allowing releasing the compression.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least a part of oscillation energy and heat energy applied to the cutting may be changed according to a shape of the shaft.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the lever unit may include: a lever into which the user's operation is input; a connection member which is connected to the spring unit and determines whether to compress the spring unit corresponding to a decision whether to pull the lever; and a link which connects the lever unit and the connection member.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the spring unit may prevent the inner pipe from moving at a predetermined speed or higher corresponding to the user's pulling operation of the lever and may allow the inner pipe going back to an original position thereof corresponding to the user's releasing operation of the pulled lever.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the spring unit may include at least one spring and one rubber block and at least one the spring may have an elasticity which is lower than that of the rubber block.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one the spring may be compressed corresponding to the user's pulling operation of a first lever, allowing primarily preventing the inner pipe from moving at a predetermined speed or higher.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, after the user's pulling operation of the first lever, the rubber block may be compressed corresponding to the user's pulling operation of a second lever, allowing secondarily preventing the inner pipe from moving at a predetermined speed or higher.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the transducer may include: a piezoelectric element which generates the ultrasonic wave using piezoelectricity; a horn which amplifies the generated ultrasonic wave; a piezo body which receives the ultrasonic wave amplified from the horn and transmits the amplified ultrasonic wave to a shaft with moving back and forwardly; a piezo case which surrounds the piezolelectric element; and a piezo cap which is disposed at the end of the piezo case adjacent to the power connector.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the transducer may further comprise: a plurality of rubbers which reduce interference generated from at least a part of the processes for generating, amplifying and transmitting the ultrasonic wave.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of the rubbers may include: a first rubber which is disposed between the horn and the piezo body; a second rubber which is disposed between the horn and the piezoelectric element; and a third rubber which is disposed between the piezoelectric element and the piezo cap.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the power connector may further include: a wheel pin which is connected with the spring unit; and a wheel which rotates at least a part of the outer pipe and the inner pipe about the wheel pin.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the power connector may include: a first structure which is connected with an end of the transducer adjacent to the power connector; and a second structure which is connected with acable of the power supply portion, and the first structure and the second structure may be manufactured to be integral inside the handle portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first structure may include a first electrode and a first spring having elasticity, the second structure may include a second electrode and a second spring having elasticity, and in a state of separation of the first structure and the second structure, as the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact, the cable of the power supply portion may supply the power.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the first structure rotates through the wheel, as the separation condition is maintained, the second structure may not rotate, and the connection of the first electrode and the second electrode may be maintained using the elasticity of the first spring and the second spring.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first structure may include a first electrode, the second structure may include a second electrode and a pogopin which is inserted with a spring inside, and in a state of separation of the first structure and the second structure, as the first electrode and the second electrode are connected with each other, the cable of the power supply portion may supply the power.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the first structure rotates through the wheel, as the separation state is maintained, the second structure may not rotate, and the contact of the first electrode and the second electrode may be maintained using elasticity of the spring inside the pogopin.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the instrument for laparoscopic surgery may include: a first button which provides only a seal function in the cutting; and a second button which provides a cut function together with the seal function.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first button may be disposed adjacent to the wheel and triggered with the user's finger force, and the second button may be disposed adjacent to the lever unit and triggered corresponding to the user's operation for the lever unit.

The present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery. Particularly, the present invention is capable of providing a user with an instrument for laparoscopic surgery including a pipe formed into a cylindrical shape and having a shaft thereinside, an upper jaw formed at one end of the pipe portion and having an opening portion which is formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, a forceps portion having a lower jaw which are hinge-connected with a upper jaw at one end, and a handle portion connected to another end of the pipe portion and having a lever unit, a spring unit, a transducer, a housing and a power connecter.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing holding a blood vessel strongly, followed by cutting the same accurately.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing guessing the strength of force applied to a target when pulling a lever and subsequently providing a good feeling in the use thereof.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing cutting off a blood vessel or a tissue neatly.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing minimizing damage on a blood vessel or a tissu when cutting off the same.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery in which 3 sides of the end portion of a jaw are structured to merge into the center, so as to be adapted for tissue dissection, and such a V shaped structure allows fixing a tissue pad firmly.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, which includes one or more buttons, is available to control and use output by pressing the buttons, and has a Seal & Cut button and a Seal button, separately.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing controlling the pressure of a tissue through one spring and one rubber block according to the pressure strength of an end-effector, wherein the pressure is double-absorbed by the spring as the first stage and the rubber block as the second stage.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, which has a plurality of piezoelectric elements, allowing absorbing interference generated from the process for converting power to ultrasonic wave by the first, second and third rubbers, respectively and subsequently allowing stable operation.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery in which a negative (-) electrode plate connected with a spring encloses the outer of a positive (+) electrode plate connected with the spring, and a cable is fixed regardless of the rotation of a transducer, allowing current flow.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing fixing the cable by the second plate using a pogopin and subsequently allowing current flow, even though the first plate is rotated by the rotation of the transducer.

In the meantime, effects to be obtained in the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned effects, and other effects, which are not mentioned above, may be clearly understood from the following descriptions by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view which shows an instrument for laparoscopic surgery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view which shows a forceps portion in the instrument for laparoscopic surgery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a view which shows a jaw in the instrument for laparoscopic surgery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3B is a view which shoes a clamp pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a view which shows a state that a supporting portion and a clamp pad are connected in a jaw according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a particular example of a shaft extending through the interior of a pipe portion to a forceps portion in a longitudinal direction.

FIG. 6 is a view which shows an operation state of a forceps portion in the instrument for laparoscopic surgery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a particular example of a handle portion having a lever unit, a spring unit, a transducer, a housing and a power connector, in the instrument for laparoscopic surgery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a particular internal structure of the handle portion explained in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view which explains the structure of a conventional spring unit, and FIG. 10 is shows a particular example of a spring unit according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show a particular example of a transducer according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows the first embodiment of a power connector according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14A and 14B show a pogopin which is applied to the second embodiment of a power connector according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show the second embodiment of a power connector according to the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Since the present disclosure is capable of being applied with various modification and having a number of embodiments, particular examples are shown in drawings and will be explained in detail. It is not intended to limit the present disclosure to particular embodiments, and it would be understood that the present disclosure includes all of modifications, equivalents or replacements which included in the idea and technical scope thereof.

In the description of the present disclosure, terms, i.e., 'first' and/or 'second' may be used in explaining various elements. However, the above elements may be not limited to the above terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one element from others. For instance, 'first element' may be designated as 'second element', and similarly, 'second element' may be also designated as 'first element'.

When describing that a certain element is coupled or connected to another element, it may means direct coupling or connection thereof to such another element. However, it would be understood that there may be another element therebetween. On the other hand, when describing that a certain element is directly coupled or connected to another element, it would be understood that there is not another element therebetween.

Terminology of the instant specification is used only for explaining particular embodiments and it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. An expression in the singular may include a plural expression unless explicitly different in the contextual meaning.

In the instant specification, terms, i.e., 'comprise' and/or 'include' intend to designate the existence of feature, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or any of combinations thereof, which are described in the specification. It would be understood not to limit possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or any of combination thereof in advance.

In addition, unless defined differently, technical or scientific terminology used in the instant specification may have the same meaning as that commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, and it may be not interpreted as ideal or excessively formal meaning, unless explicitly defined in the instant specification.

INSTRUMENT FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGENRY

Referring to FIG. 1, an instrument for laparoscopic surgery 1000 according to the present disclosure may include a pipe portion 1100, a forceps portion 1200, a handle portion 1300 and a power connector 1400 formed at the end of the handle portion 1300.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pipe portion 1100 is formed with a cylindrical shaped pipe 1110.

The pipe 1110 is structured with an outer pipe and an inner pipe formed within the outer pipe.

Herein, since the pipe 1110 enters a body through a small abdominal cavity, such the pipe should be formed with an incorrodible and hygienic material.

According to the present embodiment, the pipe 1110 may be formed with an SUS (Steel Use Stainless) material.

The SUS has a strong rust-resistant property and thus hardly rusts. Therefore, it is not needed to treat a surface thereof, such as painting.

Further, the inner pipe may move in a longitudinal direction within the pipe 1110.

The forceps portion 1200 is formed at one end of the pipe 1110 and also called an end effector.

The forceps portion 1200 has a jaw 1210 and a shaft 1220. Ultrasonic wave is transmitted to a tissue required to be treated through the shaft 1220. The jaw 1210 and the shaft 1220 may compress a site to be cut and then may cut a tissue or a blood vessel by the oscillation energy and heat energy generated by ultrasonic wave.

In addition, a wheel 1341 is formed at another end of the pipe 1110, and the handle portion 1300 and the power connector 1400 are formed at the rear end of the wheel 1341.

In particular, the handle portion 1300 has a lever unit 1310, a spring unit 1320, a transducer 1330 and a housing 1340.

In addition, the power connector 1400 is a structure which is connected to a cable of a power supply portion (not shown), and the handle portion 1300 and the power connector 1400 according to the present disclosure may be included in the handle portion to be integral.

Hereinafter, referring to drawings, it will be described about particular structures of the forceps portion 1200, the handle portion 1300 and the power connector 1400.

FORCEPTS PORTION

FIG. 2 is a view which shows the forceps portion in the instrument for laparoscopic surgery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG.2, the forceps portion 1200 has the jaw 1210 and the shaft 1220.

Herein, the shaft 1220 extends through the interior of the pipe portion 1100 to the forceps portion 1200 in a longitudinal direction.

In addition, the jaw 1210 is connected with an inner pipe by a pivot at one end thereof.

Herein, the jaw 1210 rotates about a pivot axis and is engaged with the shaft 1220.

In addition, ultrasonic wave is transmitted to a tissue required to be treated through the shaft 1220. The jaw 1210 and the shaft 1220 may compress a site to be cut and then may cut the tissue or blood vessel by the oscillation and heat energy generated by ultrasonic wave.

Herein, the jaw 1210 may be composed of a supporting portion 1211 and a clamp pad 1230.

FIG. 3A is a view which shows the jaw in the instrument for laparoscopic surgery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3B is a view which shows the clamp pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, referring to FIG. 3A, the overall shape of the jaw 1210 is shown which is connected with the supporting portion 1211 and the clap pad 1230 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In addition, referring to Fig. 3B, the clamp pad 1230 according to the present disclosure is shown.

The clamp pad 1230 according to the present disclosure is formed with SUS, however, the surface thereof is coated with an insulator, allowing preventing current flow to the rest part excluding the tissue required to be treated.

In addition, the inner side of the clamp pad 1230 of the jaw 1210 toward the shaft 1220 may be coated with Teflon for insulation.

In addition, the bottom surface of a Teflon coat may have a lattice shape, allowing holding the blood vessel well.

Referring to (a) in FIG. 3A, the upper surface of the supporting portion 1211 of the jaw 1210 is preferably formed into a curved shape.

As the upper surface of the supporting portion 1211 is formed into a curved shape, it may prevent damaging the tissue and the blood vessel when the instrument for laparoscopic surgery enters the interior of a body.

In addition, the end portion 1212 of the supporting portion 1211 may be formed into a streamlined shape.

Referring to (a) in FIG. 3A, an end portion 1212 of the supporting portion 1211 is structured to merge 3 sides thereof into the center, and such a structure is a design which is capable of being adapted for tissue dissection easily.

That is, as the end portion of the forceps portion 1200 is formed into a streamlined shape, it may prevent damaging internal organs or blood vessel when inserting such the instrument for laparoscopic into the interior of an abdominal cavity.

In addition, the supporting portion 1211 and the clamp pad 1230 may be connected to be a V shaped structure, allowing fixing the same firmly.

FIG. 4 is a view which shows a state that the supporting portion and the clamp pad are connected with each other in the jaw according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

(a) in FIG. 4 shows a jaw in which a supporting portion 1211a and a clamp pad 1230a are connected with each other according to the prior art.

The supporting portion 1211a according to the prior art is formed into a curved shape having at least one hole, and connected with the clamp pad 1230a into a T shaped structure.

Herein, the conventional clamp pad 1230a is configured with two pieces, and the respective shapes of the first and second pads in the two pieces are different from each other in features.

On the contrary, as shown in (b) in FIG. 4, the supporting portion 1211 and the clamp pad 1230 according to the present disclosure may be connected with each other into a V shaped structure.

In addition, the clamp pad 1230 is not configured with a plurality of pieces, but is embodied into one integral piece, allowing being inserted into the supporting portion 1211 into a V shape and fixed thereto.

On the other hand, the shaft 1220 is formed with a metal-based material. In particular, it is preferable to form such the shaft with a titanium-based material.

Titanium has light weight, superior strength and excellent corrosion resistance, besides transmits ultrasonic wave effectively.

The jaw 1210 is engaged with the shaft 1220, thereby holding the tissue or blood vessel required to be treated. At this time, the strength of a force holding the tissue or the blood vessel is crucial.

If holding the tissue or the blood vessel with a weak force, the blood vessel would be not cut off neatly but burnt, or would be coagulated unevenly.

Accordingly, it is important to fix the tissue or the blood vessel firmly by rotating and engaing the jaw 1210 with the shaft 1220.

FIG. 5 shows a particular example of the shaft extending through the interior of the pipe portion to the forceps portion in a longitudinal direction.

(a), (b) and (c) in FIG. 5 shows a particular example of the shaft according to the present disclosure. Waveforms of transmitted ultrasonic wave may be modified according to the shape of the shaft, and the tissue or the blood vessel may be cut off by oscillation energy and heat energy in connection with the respective modified waveforms depending on situation.

On the other hand, FIG. 6 is a view which shows an operation state of the forceps portion in the instrument for laparoscopic surgery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A user pulls a lever 1311, allowing controlling the operation of a forceps portion 1200.

As shown in FIG. 6, if the spring unit 1320 is compressed by pulling the lever 1311, the inner pipe moves toward a B direction and the jaw 1210 is closed.

On the contrary, if the spring unit 1320 is restored to the original shape by releasing a force pulling the lever 1310, the inner pipe moves toward an A direction and the jaw 1210 is opend.

HANDLE PORTION

FIG. 7 shows an example of the handle portion having the lever unit, the spring unit, the transducer, the housing and the power connector, in the instrument for laparoscopic surgery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the handle portion 1300 is connected to another end of the pipe portion 1100.

As shown in FIG. 7, the handle portion 1300 has the lever unit 1310, the spring unit 1320, the transducer 1330, the housing 1340 and the power connector 1400.

First, the user pulls the lever unit 1310, allowing rotating the jaw 1210, holding the blood vessel, and transmitting ultrasonic wave to a site to be treated.

The lever unit 1310 has the lever 1311, a connecting member and a link.

Herein, the connecting member is connected to the spring unit 1320, allowing the spring unit 1320 to be compressed by pulling the lever 1311.

The link connects the lever 1311 and the connecting member.

Next, the spring unit 1320 is connected to the lever unit 1310, allowing controlling the movement of an inner pipe.

The spring unit 1320 buffers the inner pipe to prevent the same from sudden operation caused by pulling the lever 1311, and allows the inner pipe going back to the original position when releasing the lever 1310.

In the present disclosure, the spring unit 1320 is formed with one spring 1321 and one rubber block 1323, allowing controlling a force holding the instrument for laparoscopic surgery 1000. Further details therefor will be described later.

In addition, the transducer 1330 is a device which generates ultrasonic wave acting on a site to be treated.

The transducer 1330 is formed into a cylindrical shape, and has an ultrasonic radiation surface, allowing focusing ultrasonic energy.

The ultrasonic wave generated in the transducer 1330 is transmitted to the site to be treated through the shaft 1220, allowing cutting off the tissue or the blood vessel by heat.

In addition, the housing 1360 may accommodate the lever unit 1310, the spring unit 1320 and the transducer 1330.

The housing 1360 is formed with plastic. However, such the housing is not limited thereto and may be made of various materials for providing a good feeling in the use thereof.

In addition, the handle portion may include the wheel 1341 and a wheel pin 1342.

The wheel pin 1342 provides a function to connect the wheel 1341 and the interior of the handle portion 1300 and the pipe portion 1100 may rotate through the wheel 1341.

That is, the jaw 1210 may be rotated according to the rotation of the pipe portion 1100 and engaged with the shaft 1220, allowing fixing the tissue or the blood vessel, and preventing internal organs or the blood vessel from being damaged when inserting the instrument for laparoscopic into the interior of an abdominal cavity.

In addition, the handle portion may further include a seal & cut button 1351 and a seal button 1352.

That is, in the present invention, the handle portion may include a plurality of the buttons which are different from each other in functions.

The user presses the seal & cut button 1351 and the seal button 1352 thereby controlling and using output.

The seal & cut button 1351 is equipped at the lower end portion of the wheel 1341 and may be pressed by the user's finger force, wherein a pressed angle ranges from 45 degrees to 135 degrees side to side.

When pressing the seal & cut button 1351, sealing and cutting functions are provided together.

In addition, the seal button 1352 is equipped at the lower end portion of the handle portion 1300 and such the button 1352 may be pressed by pulling the lever unit 1310.

When pressing the seal button 1352, a sealing function is provided only.

In addition, the handle portion 1300 according to the present disclosure may further include the power connector 1400.

The power connector 1400 according to the present disclosure is a structure which is connected with a cable of a power supply portion (not shown) and the handle portion 1300 and the power connector 1400 according to the present disclosure may be included in the handle portion to be integral.

On the other hand, FIG. 8 shows an example of a particular internal structure of the handle portion explained in FIG. 7.

Functions of the handle portion of FIG. 8 including the lever unit, the spring unit, the transducer, the housing and the power connector, are the same as those explained in FIG. 7. Thus, the explanation therefor will be omitted to avoid overlapping and to simplify the instant specification.

Hereinafter, particular structures and functions of the spring unit 1320, the transducer 1330 and the power connector 1400 of the handle portion 1300 will be described referring to drawings.

SPRING UNIT

FIG. 9 is a view which explains the structure of a conventional spring unit, and FIG. 10 is shows a particular example of the spring unit according to the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, a two stage operation structure allows holding the tissue or the blood vessel weakly once, and then strongly then once more.

As shown in FIG. 9, a spring unit is conventionally used which is configured with two springs (1321a and 1321b) having different elasticities.

However, in the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 10, the spring unit 1320 is formed with one spring 1321 and one rubber block 1323, allowing controlling a force holding the instrument for laparoscopic surgery 1000.

That is, in the present disclosure, the pressure of the tissue is controlled through the spring 1321 and the rubber block 1323 according to the pressure strength of an end-effector, wherein the pressure is double-absorbed by the spring 1321 as the first stage and the rubber block 1323 as the second stage.

As shown in FIG. 10, the spring unit 1320 according to the present disclosure has the spring 1321 and the rubber block 1323.

The spring 1321 and the rubber block 1323 are different from each other in elasticity.

The spring 1321 may have an elasticity which is lower than that of the rubber block 1323.

When pulling the lever 1311, the spring 1321 and the rubber block 1323 are compressed in consecutive order.

Since the spring 1321 has an elasticity which is lower than that of the rubber block, such the spring is compressed first.

At this time, the forceps portion 1200 holds the blood vessel lightly by compression of the spring 1321.

When holding the tissue or the lood vessel, it may be occasionally happened that it is not able to find out an accurate position thereof at a time. At this time, if holding the tissue or the blood vessel strongly, the wrong site which should not be treated may be damaged.

In addition, if holding the tissue or the blood vessel strongly from the beginning, there is concern over damaging the instrument.

The instrument for laparoscopic surgery 1000 according to the present disclosure may hold the tissue or the blood vessel slightly, as the first stage, allowing preventing the blood vessel and the instrument from being damaged.

After holding an accurate position of the blood vessel at the first stage using the forceps portion 1200, it may be followed by holding such the blood vessel more strongly as the second stage.

That is, following the first stage holding, a strong force should be applied in order to compress the rubber block 1323. And the second stage holding is accomplished by compression of the rubber block 1323.

The tissue or the blood vessel may be held firmly by the second stage holding, allowing cutting off the blood vessel precisely without any burn or damage caused by ultrasonic wave.

As the elasticity of the spring 1321 is lower than that of the rubber block 1323, the spring unit 1320 is compressed in consecutive order, and the user may sense the first stage holding by the spring 1321 and the second holding by the rubber block 1323 while pulling the lever.

Therefore, the user may be easily aware of the strength of a force to be applied while performing surgical procedure, allowing safe surgical procedure.

TRANSDUCER

Referring to FIG. 11, the transducer 1330 according to the present disclosure is formed into a cylindrical shape and has an ultrasonic radiation surface, allowing focusing ultrasonic energy.

Referring to FIG. 11, the transducer 1330 may include a piezo body 1331, a piezo case 1332, a piezoelectric element 1333, a piezo cap 1334, a first rubber 1335, a second rubber 1336 and a third rubber 1337.

First, the piezoelectric element 1333 acting the most important role in the transducer 1330 is, as an electrode, an element which uses electric polarization in response to mechanical modification applied from the outside.

The piezoelectric element 1333 generates ultrasonic wave (oscillation) on the basis of piezoelectric phenomenon.

In addition, the piezo body 1331 receives the ultrasonic wave amplified from a horn and transmits the relevant ultrasonic wave (oscillation) to the shaft 1220 with moving back and forwardly. Such the ultrasonic wave (oscillation) is transmitted to a site to be treated through the shaft 1220, allowing cutting off the tissue or the blood vessel by heat.

In addition, the piezo case 1332 means a case which surrounds the piezoelectric element 1333, and the piezo cap 1334 means a cap which is additionally equipped to the end of the power connector 1400.

On the other hand, as rotation is induced inside an injection from processes for generating ultrasonic wave by piezoelectric element, amplifying the ultrasonic wave by a horn and moving a piezo body back and forwardly by received ultrasonic wave (oscillation), it may cause problems, such as losses due to interference (for example, collision with the piezo case 1332 and the piezo cap 1334), noise, etc.

Therefore, in the present disclosure, a plurality of rubbers are used in order to prevent losses due to interference and noise.

That is, the first rubber 1335, the second rubber 1336 and the third rubber 1337 absorb, respectively, interference generated from the process for converting electric power into oscillation energy by the transducer configured with a plurality of ceramic piezoelectric elements, allowing stable operation.

Referring to FIG. 11, in the present disclosure, the first rubber 1335, the second rubber 1336 and the third rubber 1337 are used.

First, the first tuber 1335 is disposed between the horn and the piezo body 1331.

Second, the second rubber 1336 is disposed between the horn and the piezoelectric element 1333.

Further, the third rubber 1337 is disposed between the piezoelectric element 1333 and the piezo cap 1334.

The first rubber 1335, the second rubber 1336 and the third rubber 1337 disposed as shown in FIG. 11 may solve problems of interference generated in response to rotation which is induced inside an injection from processes for generating ultrasonic wave by piezoelectric element, amplifying the ultrasonic wave by a horn and moving a piezo body back and forwardly by received ultrasonic wave (oscillation).

FIG. 12 is an internal structure of the aforementioned transducer 1330, which includes the same elements as those explained in FIG. 11. Thus, the explanation therefor will be omitted to avoid overlapping and to simplify the instant specification.

A FIRST EMBODIMENT OF POWER CONNECTOR

As described above, the instrument for laparoscopic surgery 1000 may include the wheel 1341 and the wheel pin 1342, wherein the wheel pin 1342 provides a function to connect the wheel 1341 with the interior of the handle portion 1300 and the pipe portion 1100 may rotate through the wheel 1341.

At this time, the wheel 1341 is capable of a 360 degree rotation, and the forceps portion 1200 is also capable of a 360 degree rotation according thereto. On this occasion, it may cause a problem, that is, a cable of the power supply portion (not shown) connected with the end of the handle portion 1300 is also rotated together therewith.

That is, the cable of the power supply portion is connected with the power connector 1400 disposed at the end of the handle portion 1300, wherein as the cable is rotated continuously according to the rotation of the pipe portion 1100, it may cause a problem to damage an interior wire due to a twist thereof.

Therefore, the present disclosure intends to provide a new structure of the power connector 1400 in which the power connector 1400 and the cable of the power supply portion are manufactured to be integral and which is free from a problem to damage the interior wire due to such a twist.

FIG. 13 shows a first embodiment of the power connector according to the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, the power connector 1400 according to the present disclosure may include a first structure 1410 and a second structure 1420.

The first structure 1410 is disposed at the end of the handle portion 1300, i.e., on the side surface of the piezo cap 1334, and the second structure is connected to the cable and disposed inside the housing 1360.

That is, the power connector 1400 including the first structure 1410 and the second structure 1420 according to the present disclosure is disposed inside the handle portion 1300 not to be separate but integral.

At this time, the first structure 1410 includes a Center plate 1411, a Power pcb Contract Center 1412, a pcb spring base Center 1413, a Center spring 1414 and a Center contract Plate 1415.

In addition, the second structure 1420 includes an Outer plate 1421, a Power pcb Contract Outer 1422, a pcb spring base Outer 1423, an Outer spring 1424 and an Outer contract Plate 1425.

At this time, the Center plate 1411 and Center contract Plate 1415 disposed on the side surface of the piezo cap 1334 are configured with a fixed negative (-) electrode plate and a positive (+) electrode plate connected with the Center spring 1414.

In addition, the Outer plate 1421 and Outer contract Plate 1425 attached to the cable are configured with a fixed negative (-) electrode plate and a positive (+) electrode plate connected with the Outer spring 1424.

At this time, the negative (-) electrode plate connected with the Outer spring 1424 surrounds the outer shape of the positive (+) electrode plate connected with the Outer spring 1424. And the cable is fixed regardless of the rotation of the transducer 1330, allowing current flow.

That is, as the first structure 1410 and the second structure 1420 touch each other by elasticity of the spring, a positive (+) electrode and a negative (-) electrode are in contact, allowing current flow. As the first and second structures rotate in a state of touching each other, the interior wire is fixed regardless of the rotation of the transducer 1330 and it does not cause any problem such that the interior wire is twisted.

A SECOND EMBODIMENT OF POWER CONNECTOR

FIG. 14A and 14B show a pogopin which is applied to a second embodiment of the power connector according to the present disclosure.

(a) to (c) in FIG. 14A show an example of an internal structure of the pogopin applied to the present disclosure.

The pogopin is a structure inserted into the interior of a pin, wherein as a spring is disposed at the lower end of a protrusion protruding to the exterior, the protrusion is capable of being inserted into and discharged from the interior by the spring.

In addition, FIG. 14B shows a particular example of the pogopin applied to the present disclosure.

In addition, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show the second embodiment of the power connector according to the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the power connector 1400 according to the present disclosure may include the first structure 1410 and the second structure 1420.

That is, the power connector 1400 including the first structure 1410 and the second structure 1420 according to the present disclosure is disposed inside the handle portion 1300 not to be separated but integral.

At this time, the first structure 1410 includes a center Plate 1432, a Pogopin Center Contract 1430 with positive (+) electrode and a Pogopin Outer Contract 1431 with negative (-) electrode.

In addition, the second structure 1420 include a Pogopin Plate 1442, a Pogopin Center 1440 with positive (+) electrode and a Pogopin Outer 1441 with negative (-) electrode.

Herein, the first structure 1410 attached to the piezo case has a structure composed of a contract with positive (+) electrode and a contract with negative (-) electrode formed in the outer shell thereof.

In addition, the second structure 1420 is configured with one or more pogopins with positive (+) electrode and one or more pogopins with negative (-) electrode in the center thereof.

The pogopin allows current flow since a second plate fixes the cable regardless of the rotation of a first plate due to the rotation of the transducer.

That is, as the first structure 1410 and the second structure 1420 touch each other by elasticity of the pogopin, a positive (+) electrode and a negative (-) electrode are in contact, allowing current flow. As the first and second structures rotate in a state of touching each other, the interior wire is fixed regardless of the rotation of the transducer 1330 and it does not cause any problems that the interior wire is twisted.

EFFECTS

The present disclosure is directed to providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery. Particularly, the present invention is capable of providing a user with an instrument for laparoscopic surgery includes a pipe formed into a cylindrical shape and having a shaft thereinside, an upper jaw formed at one end of the pipe portion and having an opening portion which is formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, a forceps portion having a lower jaw which are hinge-connected with a upper jaw at one end, and a handle portion connected to another end of the pipe portion and having a lever unit, a spring unit, a transducer, a housing and a power connecter.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, allowing minimizing damage on a blood vessel or a tissue when cutting off the same.

Further, the present disclosure is capable of providing an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, which has a plurality of piezoelectric elements, allowing absorbing the interference generated from the process for converting power to ultrasonic wave by the first, second and third rubbers, respectively and subsequently allowing stable operation.

However, effects to be obtained in the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned effects, and other effects, which are not mentioned above, may be clearly understood from the following descriptions by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

As described above, detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure is provided so as that those skilled in the art can embody and carry out the present disclosure. In the above, it has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, however those skilled in the art will understand that various modification and variations can be made to the present disclosure within the scope without departing from the sprit and scope thereof. For example, those skilled in the art can use the respective elements of the above described embodiments in the manner of combination thereof. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein but intends to provide the widest range of the scope corresponding to principles and novel features disclosed herein.

The present disclosure can be embodied into a different form within the scope without departing from the sprit and scope thereof. Therefore, the above described detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all aspects but it should be considered as an example. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by rational interpretation of claims referred hereto and includes all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure. Further, in the present disclosure an embodiment may be configured by combining claims which are not in explicit citation relationship with each other within the scope of claimed invention. Alternatively, the present disclosure may include or a new claim following amendments after filing a patent application.

Claims

An instrument for laparoscopic surgery comprising:

a pipe portion which includes an outer pipe formed into a cylindrical shape and an inner pipe capable of moving in a longitudinal direction within the outer pipe;

a forceps portion which formed at one end of the pipe portion; and

a handle portion which is connected to another end of the pipe portion and controls movement of the forceps portion, wherein

the forceps portion comprises:

a shaft which is inserted into the interior of the inner pipe and transmits ultrasonic wave generated from the handle portion; and

a jaw which compresses a part of a body together with the shaft and cuts at least a part of tissue or blood vessel of the body on the basis of oscillation energy and heat energy generated by the ultrasonic wave,

the handle portion comprises:

a lever unit which allows a user to compress at least a part of the body by operating the shaft and the jaw and transmitting the ultrasonic wave to tissue or blood vessel;

a spring unit which is connected to the lever unit and controls movement of the inner pipe; and

a power connector which is connected with a cable of a power supply portion and supplies power.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 1, wherein

one end of the jaw is connected with at least a part of the inner pipe by a pivot, and

the jaw rotates about a connected pivot axis and is engaged with the shaft, allowing performing the compression and cutting.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 2, wherein

the jaw comprises:

s supporting portion of which a upper surface has a curved shape; and

a clamp pad which is inserted into and connected to the supporting portion.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 2, wherein

the clamp pad is inserted into and connected to the supporting portion into a V shape.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 2, wherein

an inner side surface of the clamp pad toward the shaft is coated with Teflon for insulation, and

a bottom surface of a Teflon coat has a lattice shape, allowing supporting the compression.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 2, wherein

an end portion of the supporting portion has a streamlined shape, and

the end portion is structured to merge 3 sides thereof into the center.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 1, wherein

if the spring unit is compressed as the user pulls the lever unit,

the inner pipe moves toward the handle portion and the shaft and the jaw are closed, allowing compressing at least a part of the body.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 7, wherein

if the spring unit is restored as the user releases the lever unit,

the inner pipe moves toward the forceps portion and the shaft and the jaw are opened, allowing releasing the compression.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 1, wherein

at least a part of oscillation energy and heat energy applied to the cutting is changed according to a shape of the shaft.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 1, wherein

the lever unit comprises:

a lever into which the user's operation is input;

a connection member which is connected to the spring unit and determines whether to compress the spring unit corresponding to a decision whether to pull the lever; and

a link which connects the lever unit and the connection member.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 10, wherein

the spring unit prevents the inner pipe from moving at a predetermined speed or higher corresponding to the user's pulling operation of the lever, and

allows the inner pipe going back to an original position thereof corresponding to the user's releasing operation of the pulled lever.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 11, wherein

the spring unit comprises at least one spring and one rubber block, and

at least one the spring have elasticity which is lower than that of the rubber block.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 12, wherein

at least one the springs are compressed corresponding to the user's pulling operation of a first lever, allowing primarily preventing the inner pipe from moving at a predetermined speed or higher.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 13, wherein

after the user's pulling operation of the first lever, the rubber block is compressed corresponding to the user's pulling operation of a second lever, allowing secondarily preventing the inner pipe from moving at a predetermined speed or higher.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 1, wherein

the transducer comprises:

a piezoelectric element which generates the ultrasonic wave using piezoelectricity;

a horn which amplifies the generated ultrasonic wave;

a piezo body which receives the ultrasonic wave amplified from the horn and transmits the amplified ultrasonic wave to a shaft with moving back and forwardly;

a piezo case which surrounds the piezolelectric element; and

a piezo cap which is disposed at the end of the piezo case adjacent to the power connector.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 15, wherein

the transducer further comprises:

a plurality of rubbers which reduce interference generated from at least a part of the processes for generating, amplifying and transmitting the ultrasonic wave.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 15, wherein

a plurality of the rubbers comprises:

a first rubber which is disposed between the horn and the piezo body;

a second rubber which is disposed between the horn and the piezoelectric element; and

a third rubber which is disposed between the piezoelectric element and the piezo cap.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 1, wherein

the instrument for laparoscopic instrument further comprises:

a wheel pin which is connected with the spring unit; and

a wheel which rotates at least a part of the outer pipe and the inner pipe about the wheel pin.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 18, wherein

the power connector comprises:

a first structure which is connected with an end of the transducer adjacent to the power connector; and

a second structure which is connected with a cable of the power supply portion, and

the first structure and the second structure are manufactured to be integral inside the handle portion.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 19, wherein

the first structure comprises a first electrode and a first spring having elasticity,

the second structure comprises a second electrode and a second spring having elasticity, and

in a state of separation of the first structure and the second structure, as the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact, the cable of the power supply portion supplies the power.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 20, wherein

when the first structure rotates through the wheel,

as the separation state is maintained, the second structure does not rotate, and

the contact of the first electrode and the second electrode is maintained using elasticity of the first spring and the second spring.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 19, wherein

the first structure comprises a first electrode,

the second structure comprises a second electrode and a pogopin which is inserted with a spring inside, and

in a state of separation of the first structure and the second structure, as the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact, the cable of the power supply portion supplies the power.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 22, wherein

when the first structure rotates through the wheel,

as the separation state is maintained, the second structure does not rotate, and

the contact of the first electrode and the second electrode is maintained using elasticity of the spring inside the pogopin.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 18, wherein

the instrument for laparoscopic surgery comprises:

a first button which provides only a seal function in the cutting; and

a second button which provides a cut function together with the seal function.
The instrument for laparoscopic surgery of claim 24, wherein

the first button is disposed adjacent to the wheel and triggered with the user's finger force, and

the second button is disposed adjacent to the lever unit and triggered corresponding to the user's operation for the lever unit.