Interchangeable tools for surgical instruments

US8758391B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey S. Swayze · Hamilton, US
• Thomas W. Huitema · Cincinnati, US
• Glen A. Armstrong · Hamilton, US
• Shailendra K. Parihar · Mason, US
• Donna L. Korvick · Maineville, US
• Richard W. Timm · Cincinnati, US
• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US
• Kevin R. Doll · Mason, US
• Bret W. Smith · South Lebanon, US
• William D. Kelly · Mason, US
• Ronald J. Kolata · Raleigh, US
• Joshua R. Uth · Mason, US
• Charles J. Scheib · Loveland, US
• Eugene L. Timperman · Cincinnati, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 14, 2008
• Grant date: Jun 24, 2014
• Expiry date: May 3, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M5/31581
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical tool system. Various embodiments of the surgical tool system may comprise surgical instrument that has a handle assembly that operably supports a drive system therein for generating drive motions upon actuation of a movable handle portion operably coupled to the handle assembly. An elongated body protrudes from the handle assembly and operably supports a control rod therein that interfaces with the drive system. The surgical tool system further includes at least two surgical tools selected from the group of surgical tools consisting of: manipulators, nippers, scissors, endocutters, tissue thickness measurement devices, staple appliers, clip appliers, syringes for applying glue, sealant, drugs or medicaments and cauterization devices wherein each of the surgical tool within the group of surgical tools at least has a housing that is removably couplable to the elongated body and a drive assembly that is removably couplable to the control rod for receiving the drive motions therefrom.