Systems, devices, and methods for sealing and venting a surgical instrument of a surgical robotic system
Inventors
Crozier, James • Della Rosa, Benoit
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12702508-B1
Publication Date
2026-08-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
Devices, systems, and methods herein relate to surgical robotic systems, for example, a surgical instrument removably coupled to a robotic arm. Devices may include a shaft including a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft may define a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. An end effector may be disposed at the distal end of the shaft. A proximal head may be disposed at the proximal end of the shaft. The proximal head may include a housing defining an internal space configured to house a plurality of engagement elements and a knob body disposed proximal of the housing. Each engagement element may be coupled to the end effector via a force transmitting element disposed within the lumen. The knob body may be configured to be distally translated and subsequently rotated relative to the housing to lock the proximal head to an instrument interface.
Core Innovation
The apparatus includes a shaft with a lumen, an end effector, and a proximal head with a housing and knob body. Engagement elements are coupled to the end effector by force-transmitting elements within the shaft lumen. The knob body translates distally and subsequently rotates relative to the housing, locking the proximal head to an instrument interface of a surgical robotic system and coupling the engagement elements to actuators that drive end effector movement.
The apparatus further comprises first and second sealing elements configured to move relative to one another. Movement of the knob body positions the first sealing element to form a fluid-tight seal preventing fluids from leaving the apparatus interior, or to provide access for fluids to enter. An associated method uses distal translation and rotation of the knob body to secure the instrument to the interface and couple the engagement elements to actuators.
Claims Coverage
The claims cover three inventive features across independent apparatus and method claims.
Knob-operated locking and actuator coupling
An apparatus includes a shaft with a lumen, an end effector, and a proximal head with a housing and knob body. Distal translation followed by rotation of the knob body relative to the housing locks the proximal head to a surgical robotic system instrument interface and couples engagement elements to actuators configured to drive movement of the end effector.
Movable sealing elements for fluid control
An apparatus includes first and second sealing elements, where movement of a knob body moves the first sealing element relative to the second to form a fluid-tight seal preventing fluids from leaving the apparatus interior, or to provide access for fluids to enter the apparatus interior.
Push-then-rotate instrument locking method
A method recites inserting an instrument into a surgical robotic system interface with its knob rotationally locked relative to the proximal housing, pushing the knob to unlock rotation, and rotating the knob to lock the instrument to the interface and couple engagement elements to actuators that move the end effector.
The independent claims cover an apparatus using a knob to lock and couple an instrument, an apparatus with knob-positioned sealing elements controlling fluid access, and a method for locking an instrument by pushing and rotating its knob.
Stated Advantages
The knob operation locks the proximal head or instrument to the instrument interface and couples engagement elements to actuators that drive movement of the end effector.
The sealing elements form a fluid-tight seal that prevents fluids from leaving the apparatus interior.
The alternate sealing position provides access for fluids, including cleaning fluid, to enter interior regions of the instrument for cleaning or sterilization.
Documented Applications
Coupling an instrument to an instrument interface of a surgical robotic system, allowing actuators to drive movement of an end effector.
Allowing cleaning fluid to enter interior regions of the instrument for cleaning or sterilization.
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