Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090248039 | Sterile Drape Interface for Robotic Surgical Instrument - A robotic surgical system includes a sterile surgical instrument, a robotic surgical manipulator, and a sterile drape covering at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator. The surgical instrument has a proximal interface and a distal end effector. The proximal interface includes a gimbal assembly with two intersecting rotational axes coupled to the distal end effector. The robotic surgical manipulator has a drive plate that bears against the gimbal assembly. The drive plate has two degrees of rotational freedom about a center of motion that is coincident with an intersection of the axes of the gimbal assembly. The sterile drape includes a sterile sheet covers at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator, a frame bonded to the sterile sheet, an instrument interface that covers the drive plate of the robotic surgical manipulator, and a diaphragm that connects the instrument interface to the frame. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248040 | Coupler to Transfer Controller Motion from a Robotic Manipulator to an Attached Instrument - A coupler to provide controller motion from a robotic manipulator includes a pin having a tip with a spherical bearing surface and a plate supported on the spherical bearing surface of the pin with two degrees of rotational freedom about the center of the spherical bearing surface. The plate has a back surface and an opposing driving surface that bears against a first surface of an inner gimbal of a gimbal assembly of a driven device. The plate includes a pin receiving portion that extends outwardly from the driving surface and away from the back surface. The pin receiving portion includes a spherical receiving surface to receive the spherical bearing surface of the pin. The spherical bearing surface is located at a distance above the driving surface such that the center of the spherical bearing surface coincides with an intersection of the gimbal assembly axes of the driven device. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248043 | MECHANICAL ACTUATOR INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR ROBOTIC SURGICAL TOOLS - Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures. | 10-01-2009 |
20090292299 | OFFSET REMOTE CENTER MANIPULATOR FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY - Medical, surgical, and/or robotic devices and systems often including offset remote center parallelogram manipulator linkage assemblies which constrains a position of a surgical instrument during minimally invasive robotic surgery are disclosed. The improved remote center manipulator linkage assembly advantageously enhances the range of instrument motion while at the same time reduces the overall complexity, size, and physical weight of the robotic surgical system. | 11-26-2009 |
20100163057 | STERILE SURGICAL ADAPTOR - A sterile adaptor, a sterile drape with the integrated sterile adaptor, and a telerobotic surgical system including the sterile drape with a drape interface are provided. The adaptor, drape, and system allow for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic system while also providing an interface for transferring mechanical and electrical energy and signals between a robotic arm and a surgical instrument in the sterile field. | 07-01-2010 |
20100174293 | STERILE SURGICAL ADAPTOR - A sterile drape with integrated sterile adaptor, a telerobotic surgical system, and method of use are provided for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic system while also providing an interface for transferring mechanical and electrical energy and signals. | 07-08-2010 |
20100200002 | STERILE SURGICAL DRAPE - An improved sterile drape, system, and method for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes an exterior surface adjacent to a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure, and an interior surface forming a cavity for receiving the non-sterile portion of a robotic surgical system, such as a manipulator. The drape further includes a fastener coupled to the exterior surface for securing the sterile drape to the non-sterile portion of the robotic surgical system while reducing the volume of the sterile drape. Advantageously, the drape allows for quick and simple installation and increases visualization of the patient by reducing the size of the drape with more form fitting features, while allowing for freedom of movement of the manipulator. | 08-12-2010 |
20100228284 | SURGICAL TOOL HAVING POSITIVELY POSITIONABLE TENDON-ACTUATED MULTI-DISK WRIST JOINT - The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. A positively positionable multi-disk wrist mechanism includes a plurality of disks or vertebrae stacked in series. Each vertebra is configured to rotate in pitch or in yaw with respect to each neighboring vertebra. Actuation cables are used to manipulate and control movement of the vertebrae. In specific embodiments, some of the cables are distal cables that extend from a proximal vertebra through one or more intermediate vertebrae to a distal vertebra, while the remaining cables are medial cables that extend from the proximal vertebra to one or more of the intermediate vertebrae. The cables are actuated by a pivoted plate cable actuator mechanism. In specific embodiments, the actuator mechanism includes a plurality of small radius holes or grooves for receiving the medial cables and a plurality of large radius holes or grooves for receiving the distal cables. The holes or grooves restrain the medial cables to a small radius of motion and the distal cables to a large radius of motion, so that the medial cables to the medial vertebra move only a fraction of the amount as the distal cables to the distal vertebra, so as to achieve precise control and manipulation of the vertebrae. | 09-09-2010 |
20110023651 | APPARATUS FOR COMPACT COUNTER BALANCE ARMS - In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided including a linkage and a balancing mechanism coupled to the linkage around a pivotal joint. The linkage couples to a support structure at a first end and support a weight applied to a second end. The balancing mechanism counter balances the weight applied to the second end of the linkage. As the linkage is deformed to vertically adjust the height of the weight with a different moment arm length, the balancing mechanism varies a cable path length to modify the compression of a spring and a tension in a cable to adjust the amount of counter balance force applied to the linkage. | 02-03-2011 |
20110028990 | Multi-Component Telepresence System and Method - The present invention provides systems and methods for performing robotically-assisted surgical procedures on a patient. In particular, a three-component surgical system is provided that includes a non-sterile drive and control component, a sterilizable end effector or surgical tool and an intermediate connector component that includes mechanical elements for coupling the surgical tool with the drive and control component and for transferring motion and electrical signals therebetween. The drive and control component is shielded from the sterile surgical site, the surgical tool is sterilizable and disposable and the intermediate connector is sterilizable and reusable. In this manner, the intermediate connector can be sterilized after a surgical procedure without damaging the motors or electrical connections within the drive and control component of the robotic system. | 02-03-2011 |
20110028991 | Cardiac Tissue Ablation Instrument with Flexible Wrist - An articulate minimally invasive surgical instrument with a flexible wrist to facilitate the safe placement and provide visual verification of the ablation catheter or other devices in Cardiac Tissue Ablation (CTA) treatments is described. In one embodiment, the instrument is an endoscope which has an elongate shaft, a flexible wrist at the working end of the shaft, and a vision scope lens at the tip of the flexible wrist. The flexible wrist has at least one degree of freedom to provide the desired articulation. It is actuated and controlled by a drive mechanism located in the housing at the distal end of the shaft. The articulation of the endoscope allows images of hard-to-see places to be taken for use in assisting the placement of the ablation catheter on the desired cardiac tissue. The endoscope may further include couplings to releasably attach an ablation device/catheter or a catheter guide to the endoscope thereby further utilizing the endoscope articulation to facilitate placement of the ablation catheter on hard-to-reach cardiac tissues. In another embodiment, the articulate instrument is a grasper or any other instrument with a flexible wrist and a built-in lumen to allow an endoscope to insert and be guided to the distal end of the instrument. | 02-03-2011 |
20110066161 | Multi-Component Telepresence System and Method - The present invention provides systems and methods for performing robotically-assisted surgical procedures on a patient. In particular, a three-component surgical system is provided that includes a non-sterile drive and control component, a sterilizable end effector or surgical tool and an intermediate connector component that includes mechanical elements for coupling the surgical tool with the drive and control component and for transferring motion and electrical signals therebetween. The drive and control component is shielded from the sterile surgical site, the surgical tool is sterilizable and disposable and the intermediate connector is sterilizable and reusable. In this manner, the intermediate connector can be sterilized after a surgical procedure without damaging the motors or electrical connections within the drive and control component of the robotic system. | 03-17-2011 |
20110118755 | Flexible Wrist for Surgical Tool - The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector. A plurality of actuation cables have distal portions connected to the end effector and extend from the distal portion through the lumens of the wall of the wrist member toward the elongate shaft to proximal portions which are actuatable to bend the wrist member in pitch rotation and yaw rotation. | 05-19-2011 |
20110125166 | Flexible Wrist for Surgical Tool - The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector. A plurality of actuation cables have distal portions connected to the end effector and extend from the distal portion through the lumens of the wall of the wrist member toward the elongate shaft to proximal portions which are actuatable to bend the wrist member in pitch rotation and yaw rotation. | 05-26-2011 |
20110168189 | STERILE DRAPE INTERFACE FOR ROBOTIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A robotic surgical system includes a sterile surgical instrument, a robotic surgical manipulator, and a sterile drape covering at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator. The surgical instrument has a proximal interface and a distal end effector. The proximal interface includes a gimbal assembly with two intersecting rotational axes coupled to the distal end effector. The robotic surgical manipulator has a drive plate that bears against the gimbal assembly. The drive plate has two degrees of rotational freedom about a center of motion that is coincident with an intersection of the axes of the gimbal assembly. The sterile drape includes a sterile sheet covers at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator, a frame bonded to the sterile sheet, an instrument interface that covers the drive plate of the robotic surgical manipulator, and a diaphragm that connects the instrument interface to the frame. | 07-14-2011 |
20110196419 | Direct Pull Surgical Gripper - A surgical end effector includes a clevis and two jaws pivotally coupled to the clevis. A wire is coupled to each jaw and extended through a guide way in the other jaw and through an end of the clevis. The jaws may be opened and closed by pushing and pulling on the two cables. Pulling on each wire creates a closing force in both jaws. A rocking pin may be pivotally supported by the clevis and pivotally coupled to the jaws to constrain the jaws to have opposite motions. The clevis may be coupled to an elongate shaft and the wires extended through the shaft to provide an endoscopic instrument. A wire guide may support the wires in the shaft such that they are able to transmit a compressive force without buckling. The wires may carry electricity to the jaws for electrocautery. | 08-11-2011 |
20110201883 | Entry Guide for Multiple Instruments in a Single Port Surgical System - An access port for use in single port surgery includes a cannula to provide minimally invasive access to a surgical site and an instrument guide that fits closely within the cannula. The instrument guide includes guide channels that are open to the outside surface of the instrument guide. Each of the guide channels is configured to support a single surgical instrument at a defined position within the cannula. The guide channels may be smoothly enlarged at the end that receives surgical instruments. The access port may further include a seal that couples the instrument guide to the cannula such that the seal retains a pressurized insufflation fluid within the surgical site. The instrument guide may include one or more insufflation channels for introducing an insufflation fluid to the surgical site. The access port may include a flexible section. The surgical instruments may be controlled robotically by servo actuators. | 08-18-2011 |
20110218551 | INSTRUMENT INTERFACE OF A ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM - An instrument interface of a robotic manipulator and a surgical system including the instrument interface are provided. In one embodiment, the instrument interface includes a spring-loaded input for providing axial load and torque to a sterile adaptor capable of operably coupling an instrument. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator system includes a manipulator assembly, including a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an integrated instrument interface. The system further includes an instrument operably coupled to the carriage link via the instrument interface, and a processor operably coupled to the manipulator assembly for sensing presence of the instrument. | 09-08-2011 |
20110238081 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL AND ACTUATION - Two or more telemanipulated surgical instruments are inserted through a guide tube. Each instrument has a transmission mechanism that transmits actuating forces from actuators to components of the instrument. The transmission mechanisms are arranged around an extended centerline of the guide tube and are wedge-shaped so that they can be positioned more closely to the extended centerline. | 09-29-2011 |
20110277576 | Overforce Protection Mechanism - A overload protection mechanism protects a driven load, such as a driven lever. An overload lever is pivotally coupled to a first part of the driven load. The overload lever has a first end that receives an applied force and an opposing second end. A zero length spring mechanism is coupled to a second part of the driven load spaced apart from the first part and to the second end of the overload lever. The zero length spring mechanism urges the second end of the overload lever toward the second part of the driven load with a force that is substantially proportional to the distance between the second end of the overload lever and the second part of the driven load. A stop mechanism is coupled to the zero length spring mechanism to maintain a minimum distance between the second end of the overload lever and the second part of the driven load. | 11-17-2011 |
20110277579 | Cable Re-ordering Device - A cable guide re-orders a plurality of cables. A first guide plate has a plurality of first guide holes that receive a plurality of cables in a first order. A second guide plate has a plurality of second guide holes that receive the plurality of cables in a different second order. An intermediate guide plate is located between the first and second guide plates. The intermediate guide plate has a plurality of intermediate guide holes. Each of the intermediate guide holes receives one of the plurality of cables and causes a change of direction in the cable to facilitate the change from the first to the second order. The intermediate guide plate may further include cable passages to allow some cables to pass through without changing direction. There may be more than one intermediate guide plate. The cables may change from a generally linear to a generally circular arrangement. | 11-17-2011 |
20110277580 | Force Transmission for Robotic Surgical Instrument - A force transmission transmits a force received by an input gimbal plate having two degrees of freedom to an output gimbal plate. The input gimbal plate is coupled to a first end of least three lever arms supported by a pivot. The output gimbal plate is coupled to a second end of the lever arms. The output gimbal plate may be coupled to the lever arms by flexible cables. The cables may be substantially contained within a tube. The output gimbal plate may be substantially smaller than the input gimbal plate. The force transmission may include a secondary output gimbal plate coupled to secondary levers that are coupled to the lever arms. The secondary levers may be third class levers. The secondary output gimbal plate may move proportionately to movement of the output gimbal plate. The force transmission may control a surgical end effector in a robotic surgical instrument. | 11-17-2011 |
20110277776 | SURGICAL SYSTEM STERILE DRAPE - A sterile drape, a surgical system with the drape, and a draping method are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes a plurality of drape pockets, each of the drape pockets including an exterior surface to be adjacent a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure and an interior surface to be adjacent a non-sterile instrument manipulator coupled to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system. The drape further includes a plurality of flexible membranes at a distal face of each of the drape pockets for interfacing between outputs of an instrument manipulator and inputs of a respective surgical instrument, and a rotatable seal adapted to couple a proximal opening of each of the drape pockets to a rotatable element at a distal end of the manipulator arm. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282351 | SURGICAL SYSTEM ENTRY GUIDE - An entry guide tube and cannula assembly, a surgical system including the assembly, and a method of surgical instrument insertion are provided. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a cannula having a proximal portion that operably couples to an accessory clamp of a manipulator arm, and a distal tubular member coupled to the proximal portion, the tubular member having an opening for passage of at least one instrument shaft. The assembly also includes an entry guide tube rotatably coupled to the proximal portion of the cannula, the entry guide tube including a plurality of channels for passage of a plurality of instrument shafts, wherein the entry guide tube is rotatably driven relative to the proximal portion of the cannula by rotation of at least one instrument shaft about a longitudinal axis of the entry guide tube. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282356 | SURGICAL SYSTEM INSTRUMENT MANIPULATOR - An instrument manipulator and a robotic surgical system including an instrument manipulator are provided. In one embodiment, an instrument manipulator includes a plurality of independent actuator drive modules, each of the plurality of actuator drive modules including an actuator output, wherein each of the actuator outputs are configured to independently actuate a corresponding actuator input of a surgical instrument without force input from another actuator output. The instrument manipulator further includes a frame housing the plurality of independent actuator drive modules, the frame including a distal end from which each of the actuator outputs distally protrude for engaging the corresponding actuator inputs of the surgical instrument. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282357 | SURGICAL SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE - Robotic surgical systems are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a setup link for locating a remote center of motion for the robotic surgical system; a manipulator arm assembly including an active proximal link and an active distal link, the proximal link operably coupled to the setup link; and a plurality of instrument manipulators operably coupled to a distal end of the distal link, the plurality of instrument manipulators rotatable about an instrument manipulator assembly roll axis. A cannula mount is movably coupled to a proximal end of the distal link, and a cannula is coupled to the cannula mount, the cannula having a longitudinal axis substantially coincident with the instrument manipulator assembly roll axis. The system further includes an entry guide tube at least partially within the cannula, the entry guide tube rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the cannula. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282358 | SURGICAL SYSTEM INSTRUMENT MOUNTING - Robotic surgical systems and methods of coupling a surgical instrument to a manipulator arm are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a base; a setup link operably coupled to the base, the setup link locating a remote center of motion for the robotic surgical system; a proximal link operably coupled to the setup link; and a distal link operably coupled to the proximal link. A plurality of instrument manipulators are rotatably coupled to a distal end of the distal link, each of the instrument manipulators including a plurality of actuator outputs distally protruding from a distal end of a frame. | 11-17-2011 |
20110313449 | Scissor Bias for Direct Pull Surgical Instrument - A surgical end effector includes a clevis having a first end to be supported by an elongated tube-like member and two jaws, each having a pivot portion and a working portion. The pivot portions are rotatably coupled to the clevis by two spaced apart pivots. The working portions may include a cutting edge that provide a shearing action as the first and second jaws rotate about their respective pivots. The pivot portion and the working portion of each jaw may be on opposite sides of a bisecting plane. A flexible cable or wire may be coupled to each jaw and extend through a guide way in the other jaw, between the first and second pivots, and through the first end of the clevis. One or more springs may urge the working portions together. A rocking pin pivotally supported by the clevis may constrain the jaws to have opposite motions. | 12-22-2011 |
20120010628 | Sheaths for Jointed Instruments - Sheaths for medical instruments cover wrist mechanisms to provide a barrier to infiltration of biological material into the instrument, electrical isolation of energized portions of the instrument, seal the instrument to help maintain cavity pressure within a patient, or reduce the chance that two jointed instruments will tangle during a medical procedure. | 01-12-2012 |
20120022553 | Side Looking Minimally Invasive Surgery Instrument Assembly - Two surgical instruments are inserted through a guide tube. The surgical instruments exit at an intermediate position of the guide tube and are oriented to be substantially parallel to the guide tube's longitudinal axis as they exit. A stereoscopic image capture component is on the guide tube between the intermediate position and the guide tube's distal end. The image capture component's field of view is generally perpendicular to the guide tube's longitudinal axis. The surgical instruments and the guide tube are telemanipulatively controlled. | 01-26-2012 |
20120083654 | SIDE LOOKING MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY - A surgical instrument is inserted through a guide tube. The surgical instrument exits at an intermediate position of the guide tube and is oriented to be substantially parallel to the guide tube's longitudinal axis as it exits. A stereoscopic image capture component is on the guide tube between the intermediate position and the guide tube's distal end. The image capture component's field of view is generally perpendicular to the guide tube's longitudinal axis. The guide tube is jointed to allow the image capture component to be moved. The surgical instruments and the guide tube are telemanipulatively controlled. | 04-05-2012 |
20120083802 | OFFSET REMOTE CENTER MANIPULATOR FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY - Medical, surgical, and/or robotic devices and systems often including offset remote center parallelogram manipulator linkage assemblies which constrains a position of a surgical instrument during minimally invasive robotic surgery are disclosed. The improved remote center manipulator linkage assembly advantageously enhances the range of instrument motion while at the same time reduces the overall complexity, size, and physical weight of the robotic surgical system. | 04-05-2012 |
20120190920 | ARTICULATE AND SWAPABLE ENDOSCOPE FOR A SURGICAL ROBOT - The present invention is directed to an articulate minimally invasive surgical endoscope with a flexible wrist having at least one degree of freedom. When used with a surgical robot having a plurality of robot arms, the endoscope can be used with any of the plurality of arms thereby allowing the use a universal arm design. The endoscope in accordance to the present invention is made more intuitive a to a user by attaching a reference frame used for controlling the at least one degree of freedom motion to the flexible wrist for wrist motion associated with the at least one degree of freedom. The endoscope in accordance to the present invention attenuates undesirable motion at its back/proximal end by acquiring the image of the object in association with the at least one degree of freedom based on a reference frame rotating around a point of rotation located proximal to the flexible wrist. | 07-26-2012 |
20120209291 | Surgical Accessory Clamp and System - A surgical accessory clamp, method of use, and a robotic surgical system including the clamp are disclosed. A surgical accessory may be attached and removed from a manipulator arm during a surgical procedure without requiring the use of an intermediate sterile accessory clamp, thus removing the need for a detachable accessory mount or adaptor that needs cleaning and sterilization and allowing for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The present invention further allows for easy removal and attachment of instruments, tools, or accessories to the robotic surgical system without breach of sterility. | 08-16-2012 |
20120209292 | Telescoping Insertion Axis of a Robotic Surgical System - A telescopic insertion axis, a robotic surgical system including the telescopic insertion axis, and a method of instrument insertion are provided. In one embodiment, a telescopic insertion axis includes a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an instrument interface. | 08-16-2012 |
20120220831 | SURGICAL TOOL HAVING POSITIVELY POSITIONABLE TENDON-ACTUATED MULTI-DISK WRIST JOINT - The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. A positively positionable multi-disk wrist mechanism includes a plurality of disks or vertebrae stacked in series. Each vertebra is configured to rotate in pitch or in yaw with respect to each neighboring vertebra. Actuation cables are used to manipulate and control movement of the vertebrae. In specific embodiments, some of the cables are distal cables that extend from a proximal vertebra through one or more intermediate vertebrae to a distal vertebra, while the remaining cables are medial cables that extend from the proximal vertebra to one or more of the intermediate vertebrae. The cables are actuated by a pivoted plate cable actuator mechanism. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221011 | Minimally Invasive Surgical System - A surgical instrument is inserted through a guide tube. A telemanipulation system moves the distal end of the surgical instrument in all six Cartesian degrees of freedom independently of any guide tube movements. | 08-30-2012 |
20120232566 | STERILE SURGICAL DRAPE - An improved sterile drape, system, and method for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes an exterior surface adjacent to a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure, and an interior surface forming a cavity for receiving the non-sterile portion of a robotic surgical system, such as a manipulator. The drape further includes a fastener coupled to the exterior surface for securing the sterile drape to the non-sterile portion of the robotic surgical system while reducing the volume of the sterile drape. Advantageously, the drape allows for quick and simple installation and increases visualization of the patient by reducing the size of the drape with more form fitting features, while allowing for freedom of movement of the manipulator. | 09-13-2012 |
20120247489 | STERILE SURGICAL ADAPTOR - A sterile drape with integrated sterile adaptor, a telerobotic surgical system, and method of use are provided for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic system while also providing an interface for transferring mechanical and electrical energy and signals. | 10-04-2012 |
20120277764 | MODULAR MANIPULATOR SUPPORT FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY - A robotic surgery system comprises a mounting base, a plurality of surgical instruments, and an articulate support assembly. Each instrument is insertable into a patient through an associated minimally invasive aperture to a desired internal surgical site. The articulate support assembly movably supports the instruments relative to the base. The support generally comprises an orienting platform, a platform linkage movably supporting the orienting platform relative to the base, and a plurality of manipulators mounted to the orienting platform, wherein each manipulator movably supports an associated instrument. | 11-01-2012 |
20130012928 | FLEXIBLE WRIST FOR SURGICAL TOOL - A tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens through which actuation cables extend, the lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector. | 01-10-2013 |
20130030448 | OFFSET REMOTE CENTER MANIPULATOR FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY - Medical, surgical, and/or robotic devices and systems often including offset remote center parallelogram manipulator linkage assemblies which constrains a position of a surgical instrument during minimally invasive robotic surgery are disclosed. The improved remote center manipulator linkage assembly advantageously enhances the range of instrument motion while at the same time reduces the overall complexity, size, and physical weight of the robotic surgical system. | 01-31-2013 |
20130053868 | SIDE LOOKING MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY - A surgical instrument is inserted through a guide tube. The surgical instrument exits at an intermediate position of the guide tube and is oriented to be substantially parallel to the guide tube's longitudinal axis as it exits. A stereoscopic image capture component is on the guide tube between the intermediate position and the guide tube's distal end. The image capture component's field of view is generally perpendicular to the guide tube's longitudinal axis. The guide tube is jointed to allow the image capture component to be moved. The surgical instruments and the guide tube are telemanipulatively controlled. | 02-28-2013 |
20130079794 | SURGICAL SYSTEM ENTRY GUIDE - An entry guide tube and cannula assembly, a surgical system including the assembly, and a method of surgical instrument insertion are provided. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a cannula having a proximal portion that operably couples to an accessory clamp of a manipulator arm, and a distal tubular member coupled to the proximal portion, the tubular member having an opening for passage of at least one instrument shaft. The assembly also includes an entry guide tube rotatably coupled to the proximal portion of the cannula, the entry guide tube including a plurality of channels for passage of a plurality of instrument shafts, wherein the entry guide tube is rotatably driven relative to the proximal portion of the cannula by rotation of at least one instrument shaft about a longitudinal axis of the entry guide tube. | 03-28-2013 |
20130096540 | FLEXIBLE WRIST FOR SURGICAL TOOL - The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprises includes an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end, and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096576 | MODULAR MANIPULATOR SUPPORT FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY - A robotic surgery system comprises a mounting base, a plurality of surgical instruments, and an articulate support assembly. Each instrument is insertable into a patient through an associated minimally invasive aperture to a desired internal surgical site. The articulate support assembly movably supports the instruments relative to the base. The support generally comprises an orienting platform, a platform linkage movably supporting the orienting platform relative to the base, and a plurality of manipulators mounted to the orienting platform, wherein each manipulator movably supports an associated instrument. | 04-18-2013 |
20130103051 | Method and Means for Transferring Controller Motion From a Robotic Manipulator to an Attached Instrument - A method of transmitting controller motion from a robotic manipulator to a surgical instrument includes rotating a plate included in the robotic manipulator. The plate has a driving surface that bears against an inner gimbal of a gimbal assembly included in the surgical instrument. The plate is rotated about a center of motion that coincides with an intersection of two rotational axes of the gimbal assembly. | 04-25-2013 |
20130123805 | SHEATH FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical apparatus includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an end effector coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a sheath disposed on an external surface of the instrument shaft. The sheath includes a material that is permeable to gas so as to permit equalization of a pressure differential after insertion of the sheath and shaft into an environment at a surgical insufflation gas pressure. The pressure differential is between an insufflation gas pressure and an initial pressure lower than the insufflation gas pressure. | 05-16-2013 |
20130144116 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL AND ACTUATION - Two or more telemanipulated surgical instruments are inserted through a guide tube. Each instrument has a transmission mechanism that transmits actuating forces from actuators to components of the instrument. The transmission mechanisms are arranged around an extended centerline of the guide tube and are wedge-shaped so that they can be positioned more closely to the extended centerline. | 06-06-2013 |
20130226197 | CONTROL SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO COMPENSATE FOR NON-IDEAL ACTUATOR-TO-JOINT LINKAGE CHARACTERISTICS IN A MEDICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEM - A medical robotic system having non-ideal actuator-to-joint linkage characteristics, includes a control system including a proximal control loop with actuator sensor feedback to control dynamic response of an actuator coupled to a distal joint which in turn, is coupled to an end effector to provide a degree of freedom movement of the end effector, a distal control loop with distal joint sensor feedback and feedforward to the actuator to ensure steady-state convergence of the distal joint position, and an end effector control loop with end-point sensor feedback to control the end effector position to reach a commanded end effector position. | 08-29-2013 |
20130239392 | Method for robotic arms with strap drive trains - In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic arm is provided including a linkage assembly and a strap drive train. The linkage assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth links pivotally coupled in series together at first, second, and third joints to define a parallelogram with an insertion axis. The strap drive train includes first and second sets of straps coupled to the linkage assembly. As the linkage assembly is moved about a pitch axis, the first set of straps ensures the third link maintains the same angle relative to the first link, and the first and second set of straps ensures the fourth link maintains the same angle relative to the second link. | 09-19-2013 |
20130239735 | Multi-Ply Strap Drive Trains for Robotic Arms - In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic arm is provided including a linkage assembly and a strap drive train. The linkage assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth links pivotally coupled in series together at first, second, and third joints to define a parallelogram with an insertion axis. The strap drive train includes first and second sets of straps coupled to the linkage assembly. As the linkage assembly is moved about a pitch axis, the first set of straps ensures the third link maintains the same angle relative to the first link, and the first and second set of straps ensures the fourth link maintains the same angle relative to the second link. | 09-19-2013 |
20130244820 | [[Multi-Ply]] Strap guide system and methods thereof for robotic surgical arms Drive Trains for Robotic Arms - In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic arm is provided including a linkage assembly and a strap drive train. The linkage assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth links pivotally coupled in series together at first, second, and third joints to define a parallelogram with an insertion axis. The strap drive train includes first and second sets of straps coupled to the linkage assembly. As the linkage assembly is moved about a pitch axis, the first set of straps ensures the third link maintains the same angle relative to the first link, and the first and second set of straps ensures the fourth link maintains the same angle relative to the second link. | 09-19-2013 |
20130325033 | MULTI-PORT SURGICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE - A robotic surgery system includes an orienting platform, a support linkage movably supporting the orienting platform, a plurality of surgical instrument manipulators, and a plurality of set-up linkages. Each of the manipulators includes an instrument holder and is operable to rotate the instrument holder around a remote center of manipulation (RC). At least one of the manipulators includes a reorientation mechanism that when actuated moves the attached manipulator through a motion that maintains the associated RC in a fixed position. | 12-05-2013 |
20130331858 | INSTRUMENT INTERFACE OF A ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM - An instrument interface of a robotic manipulator and a surgical system including the instrument interface are provided. In one embodiment, the instrument interface includes a spring-loaded input for providing axial load and torque to a sterile adaptor capable of operably coupling an instrument. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator system includes a manipulator assembly, including a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an integrated instrument interface. The system further includes an instrument operably coupled to the carriage link via the instrument interface, and a processor operably coupled to the manipulator assembly for sensing presence of the instrument. | 12-12-2013 |
20140012290 | REMOTELY ACTUATED SURGICAL GRIPPER WITH SEIZE RESISTANCE - A surgical end effector includes a clevis and one or more jaws pivotally coupled to the clevis. At least one jaw includes a slot. An axle assembly includes a bearing axle that rotatably supports a bearing, which may be a plain bearing. An actuator coupling is coupled to the bearing axle. The bearing engages the slot such that pushing and pulling on the actuator coupling causes one jaw to close against the other jaw. The bearing axle and the jaws may be made from materials that are prone to galling and the bearing may be made from a material that resists galling. The slot may include a lip that supports the bearings in a spaced apart relationship. The bearing axle may be less than 1.5 millimeters in diameter and each bearing may be less than 3.0 millimeters in diameter. | 01-09-2014 |
20140076076 | GIMBAL AND LEVERS WITH EQUALIZER - A force transmission includes a gimbal plate having two degrees of freedom. Each of three lever arms is supported by a pivot between two ends of the lever arm. One end of each lever arm is coupled to the gimbal plate such that the three couplings are not collinear. An equalizer cable has two opposing ends, each end fixedly coupled to one of the lever arms. The equalizer cable is routed over a lever arm pulley pivotally coupled to another of the lever arms between the pivot and one end of the lever arm. The gimbal plate may be coupled to the three lever arms by flexible cables or by links that transmit compression forces but not tension forces. The cables may be substantially contained within a tube. The links may be electrically non-conductive. The force transmission may control a surgical end effector in a teleoperated surgical instrument. | 03-20-2014 |
20140076077 | LEVER ACTUATED OUTPUT GIMBALS - A force transmission transmits a force to a primary output gimbal plate and a secondary output gimbal plate. The secondary output gimbal plate supports the primary output gimbal plate. Each of three primary levers is supported by a primary pivot. Each primary lever is coupled to the primary output gimbal plate such that the three couplings are not collinear. Each of three secondary levers is supported by a secondary pivot. Each secondary lever is coupled to one of the primary levers by a force applying connector. Each secondary lever is coupled to the secondary output gimbal plate such that the three couplings are not collinear. The output gimbal plates may be coupled to the levers by flexible cables. The cables may be substantially contained within a tube. The output gimbal plates may be substantially smaller than the input gimbal plate. | 03-20-2014 |
20140094824 | OFFSET REMOTE CENTER MANIPULATOR FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY - Medical, surgical, and/or robotic devices and systems often including offset remote center parallelogram manipulator linkage assemblies which constrains a position of a surgical instrument during minimally invasive robotic surgery are disclosed. The improved remote center manipulator linkage assembly advantageously enhances the range of instrument motion while at the same time reduces the overall complexity, size, and physical weight of the robotic surgical system. | 04-03-2014 |
20140128886 | FLUX DISAMBIGUATION FOR TELEOPERATED SURGICAL SYSTEMS - A method includes receiving at a controller of a teleoperated surgical system a first signal indicating that a surgical instrument is in an installed position at a patient side cart of the teleoperated surgical system, receiving at the controller a second signal indicating that the surgical instrument is in a flux connection state, and outputting a signal via the controller to provide feedback indicating that the surgical instrument is in the flux connection state. A system for detecting an operative condition of a surgical instrument of a teleoperated surgical system includes a surgical instrument comprising a housing for coupling the surgical instrument in an installed position at a patient side cart of a teleoperated surgical system, the housing comprising a connector feature. A flux transmission conduit is engageable with the connector feature to place the surgical instrument in a flux connection state. The system further includes a sensing device associated with the patient side cart and disposed to detect a presence of the flux transmission conduit in a flux connection state of the surgical instrument. | 05-08-2014 |
20140163581 | Telescoping Insertion Axis of a Robotic Surgical System - A telescopic insertion axis, a robotic surgical system including the telescopic insertion axis, and a method of instrument insertion are provided. In one embodiment, a telescopic insertion axis includes a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an instrument interface | 06-12-2014 |
20140206936 | SIDE LOOKING MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY - Two surgical instruments are inserted through a guide tube. The surgical instruments exit at an intermediate position of the guide tube and are oriented to be substantially parallel to the guide tube's longitudinal axis as they exit. A stereoscopic image capture component is on the guide tube between the intermediate position and the guide tube's distal end. The image capture component's field of view is generally perpendicular to the guide tube's longitudinal axis. The surgical instruments and the guide tube are telemanipulatively controlled. | 07-24-2014 |
20140243852 | MODULAR MANIPULATOR SUPPORT FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY - A robotic surgery system comprises a mounting base, a plurality of surgical instruments, and an articulate support assembly. Each instrument is insertable into a patient through an associated minimally invasive aperture to a desired internal surgical site. The articulate support assembly movably supports the instruments relative to the base. The support generally comprises an orienting platform, a platform linkage movably supporting the orienting platform relative to the base, and a plurality of manipulators mounted to the orienting platform, wherein each manipulator movably supports an associated instrument. | 08-28-2014 |
20140296872 | SURGICAL SYSTEM ENTRY GUIDE - An entry guide tube and cannula assembly, a surgical system including the assembly, and a method of surgical instrument insertion are provided. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a cannula having a proximal portion that operably couples to an accessory clamp of a manipulator arm, and a distal tubular member coupled to the proximal portion, the tubular member having an opening for passage of at least one instrument shaft. The assembly also includes an entry guide tube rotatably coupled to the proximal portion of the cannula, the entry guide tube including a plurality of channels for passage of a plurality of instrument shafts, wherein the entry guide tube is rotatably driven relative to the proximal portion of the cannula by rotation of at least one instrument shaft about a longitudinal axis of the entry guide tube. | 10-02-2014 |
20140326254 | SURGICAL SYSTEM STERILE DRAPE - A sterile drape, a surgical system with the drape, and a draping method are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes a plurality of drape pockets, each of the drape pockets including an exterior surface to be adjacent a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure and an interior surface to be adjacent a non-sterile instrument manipulator coupled to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system. The drape further includes a plurality of flexible membranes at a distal face of each of the drape pockets for interfacing between outputs of an instrument manipulator and inputs of a respective surgical instrument, and a rotatable seal adapted to couple a proximal opening of each of the drape pockets to a rotatable element at a distal end of the manipulator arm. | 11-06-2014 |
20150047454 | LEVER ACTUATED GIMBAL PLATE - A force transmission transmits forces received by three levers to an input gimbal plate having three support points. The input gimbal play may in turn transmit the force to a wrist assembly coupled to a surgical tool. A first gimbal support point is supported by a first lever having a fulcrum with one degree of rotational freedom. Second and third gimbal support points may be supported by second and third levers having fulcrums with two degrees of rotational freedom. These fulcrums may include a first axle coupled to the lever and a second axle that supports the first axle and provides the fulcrum for the supported lever. A spring may draw the second and third levers toward one another. The force transmission may include a parallelogram linkage that includes a rocker link pivotally coupled to the first lever and having a flat surface that supports the first gimbal support point. | 02-19-2015 |
20150051034 | ANGLED INSTRUMENT SHAFT ROLL ACTUATOR - A force transmission includes an input axle having an input axis of rotation that receives a rotational input. An input capstan is fixed to the input axle. An output capstan is fixed to a main tube bushing. The output capstan and main tube bushing have an output axis of rotation that is at an angle to the input axis of rotation. A cable couples the rotation of the input capstan to rotate the output capstan and the main tube bushing. At least one of the input capstan and the output capstan is tapered such that the overall path length of the cable remains substantially the same throughout the range of motion of the capstans. | 02-19-2015 |
20150051618 | ROTARY INPUT FOR LEVER ACTUATION - A surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector coupled to an elongate tube and a rod that passes through the elongate tube. A control mechanism coupled to the elongate tube includes an input axle having a first axis of rotation, an idler pulley having a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis, and a lever coupled to the rod and having a third axis of rotation parallel to the second axis. First and second capstans are fixed to the input axle. Cables pass over the idler pulley and are coupled to the lever. Rotating the input axle in a first direction winds a first cable onto the first capstan, rotates the lever, and moves the rod in a second direction. Rotating the input axle opposite the first direction winds a second cable onto the second capstan, rotates the lever, and moves the rod opposite the second direction. | 02-19-2015 |
20150051619 | ROTARY INPUT LEVER GIMBAL - A force transmission transmits a force received by two rotational inputs to an output gimbal plate. Two capstans receive the rotational input. The capstans drive cables connected to three levers. A cable is connected directly from each of the capstans to one of two levers. Another cable is connected to both capstans and passes over a pulley rotatably coupled to the third lever. Each of three linkages has a first end coupled to one of the three levers and a second end coupled to the output gimbal plate. Rotation of each of the first and the second input capstans causes the three cables to move the three levers such that there is no net movement of the three seconds ends of the linkages with respect to the center of motion of the output gimbal plate. The output gimbal plate may orient a mechanically actuated surgical tool. | 02-19-2015 |
20150057677 | CONTROL SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO COMPENSATE FOR NON-IDEAL ACTUATOR-TO-JOINT LINKAGE CHARACTERISTICS IN A MEDICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEM - A medical robotic system having non-ideal actuator-to-joint linkage characteristics, includes a control system including a proximal control loop with actuator sensor feedback to control dynamic response of an actuator coupled to a distal joint which in turn, is coupled to an end effector to provide a degree of freedom movement of the end effector, a distal control loop with distal joint sensor feedback and feedforward to the actuator to ensure steady-state convergence of the distal joint position, and an end effector control loop with end-point sensor feedback to control the end effector position to reach a commanded end effector position. | 02-26-2015 |
20150066002 | APPARATUS FOR PITCH AND YAW ROTATION - The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. A positively positionable multi-disk wrist mechanism includes a plurality of disks or vertebrae stacked in series. Each vertebra is configured to rotate in pitch or in yaw with respect to each neighboring vertebra. Actuation cables are used to manipulate and control movement of the vertebrae. In specific embodiments, some of the cables are distal cables that extend from a proximal vertebra through one or more intermediate vertebrae to a distal vertebra, while the remaining cables are medial cables that extend from the proximal vertebra to one or more of the intermediate vertebrae. The cables are actuated by a pivoted plate cable actuator mechanism. In specific embodiments, the actuator mechanism includes a plurality of small radius holes or grooves for receiving the medial cables and a plurality of large radius holes or grooves for receiving the distal cables. The holes or grooves restrain the medial cables to a small radius of motion and the distal cables to a large radius of motion, so that the medial cables to the medial vertebra move only a fraction of the amount as the distal cables to the distal vertebra, so as to achieve precise control and manipulation of the vertebrae. | 03-05-2015 |