Testing and Calibrating Surgical Instrument Tips with Built-in Alignment Features

This patent describes a special design for the tip of a surgical tool, called an end effector, that includes features to help correctly position it for testing and calibration.

What it covers

The abstract describes an end effector assembly of a surgical instrument, which is the working tip of the tool. This assembly includes a clevis, a U-shaped part, that supports first and second jaw members. At least one jaw is movable to grasp tissue. Crucially, the clevis features "first and second locating features on outwardly-facings sides of the first and second spaced-apart arms." These features are specifically "configured to facilitate engagement and alignment of the end effector assembly within a test fixture." For example, when a manufacturer needs to verify the gripping strength of a laparoscopic grasper, these built-in features ensure the grasper's tip snaps into the correct position in the testing machine, making the calibration process precise and repeatable.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover the main body or handle of the surgical instrument, only the end effector assembly.
• —Does not cover the design of the test fixture itself, only the features on the end effector that interact with it.
• —Does not cover end effector assemblies that lack specific locating features on the outwardly-facing sides of the clevis arms.
• —Does not cover end effectors where the jaw members are not movable relative to the clevis.
• —Does not cover the actual methods or processes used for testing and calibration, only the structural facilitation.

The clever bit

The clever bit is integrating specific "locating features" directly onto the outer sides of the end effector's clevis. This design ensures the surgical tool's tip automatically aligns correctly within a test fixture, making calibration and quality control more precise and repeatable.

Why it matters

Surgical instruments, especially those used in minimally invasive procedures, require extreme precision. Ensuring these instruments are properly calibrated and tested is crucial for patient safety and surgical success. This patent addresses a common challenge by making the testing process more efficient and reliable, which can reduce errors and improve surgical outcomes.

Real-world examples

• 1.Laparoscopic graspers
• 2.Robotic surgical instrument end effectors
• 3.Endoscopic biopsy forceps
• 4.Surgical stapler tips