How a Robotic Surgical Tool Clamps Tissue Manually and Automatically

This patent describes a surgical tool for robotic operations that can clamp tissue using a motor-driven yoke, but also allows a surgeon to manually control the clamping action.

What it covers

The patent describes a surgical tool for clamping tissue during endoscopic surgery. It uses a "yoke" inside the tool's housing that slides back and forth along a "shaft assembly" (Claim 1). This movement, called "longitudinal translation," makes a "clamp arm" on the tool's end open and close against a "blade" to grab tissue. A motor on a surgical robot can move the yoke by pushing "first and second actuators" (Claim 1). Alternatively, a surgeon can directly grasp and move "at least one linear actuator" on the tool's housing to control the clamp manually (Claim 5). For example, a surgeon could use the robot to precisely clamp a blood vessel, then take manual control to adjust the clamping force if needed. The tool can also apply different clamping forces based on how far the yoke moves (Claim 4).

What it doesn't cover

• —Surgical tools that only use a rotational mechanism to open and close the clamp arm, rather than linear translation of a yoke.
• —Clamping mechanisms that do not involve a specific "clamp arm" and a "blade" for engaging tissue.
• —Surgical tools that are exclusively robotic or exclusively manual, without the ability to switch between both modes of actuation.
• —Systems where the clamping force cannot be varied based on the distance the internal mechanism travels.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in creating a single surgical tool that can be actuated both robotically and manually through the same internal "yoke" mechanism and "linear actuators." This dual-mode operation provides surgeons with flexibility and control during delicate procedures.

Why it matters

This patent is important for advancing surgical robotics by offering a tool that combines the precision of a robot with the immediate control of a human surgeon. It allows for flexible operation in complex surgical environments, potentially improving safety and adaptability. The ability to precisely control clamping force (Claim 4) is crucial for delicate tissue manipulation and sealing.

Real-world examples

• 1.Robotic surgical systems like da Vinci Surgical System
• 2.Endoscopic surgical instruments
• 3.Advanced laparoscopic tools