US20040116952A1 - Surgical apparatus permitting recharge of battery-driven surgical instrument in noncontact state - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical instrument can be disinfected or sterilized, and has a rechargeable secondary battery incorporated therein. A distal treatment section of the surgical instrument is ultrasonically oscillated using the secondary battery as a driving power source and used to perform surgery on a living tissue. Electromagnetic energy generated by an energy generation unit located outside the surgical instrument is received by a reception coil incorporated in the surgical instrument with the surgical instrument held in noncontact with the energy generation unit. The electromagnetic energy is then converted into charging power with which the secondary battery is recharged. Thus, the surgical instrument can be readily recharged while left clean.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/492,711 filed Jan. 27, 2000, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS PERMITTING RECHARGE BATTERY-DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN NONCONTACT STATE, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 11-059271 filed in Japan on Mar. 5, 1999, Japanese Patent Application No. 11-076336 filed in Japan on Mar. 19, 1999, Japanese Patent Application No. 11-080534 filed in Japan on Mar. 24, 1999, Japanese Patent Application No. 11-084350 filed in Japan on Mar. 26, 1999, and Japanese Patent Application No. 11-089393 filed in Japan on Mar. 30, 1999, the contents of which are incorporated by this reference.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• The present invention relates to a surgical apparatus making it possible to recharge a secondary battery included in a battery-driven surgical instrument with an energy generation unit such as a recharger and the surgical instrument held in noncontact with each other.[0003]
• 2. Description of the Related Art[0004]
• In recent years, surgical procedures to be performed under endoscopic observation have been developed.[0005]
• A surgical instrument in accordance with a related art disclosed in, for example, Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 2-43501 has a battery incorporated in a handpiece. Moreover, a motor and a treatment instrument are unified, and the motor is powered with the built-in battery.[0006]
• According to the related art, the necessity of a power cord that is annoying an operator who manipulates the surgical instrument can be obviated to improve the maneuverability of the surgical instrument. There is a drawback that when electrical energy contained in the battery runs out, treatment cannot be performed any longer.[0007]
• To avoid having to replace the battery during surgery it must be done prior to the surgery. However, this is added work, and if the surgical instrument has merely been used at some steps of a surgical procedure, there is a possibility that the battery need not be renewed. Nevertheless, to avoid the trouble of renewing the battery during surgery, the battery is replaced beforehand.[0008]
• Moreover, when replacing a battery in a sterilized surgical instrument, the surgical instrument must be handled very carefully for fear it may be contaminated. A nurse or the like is obliged to incur a large burden.[0009]
• For overcoming this drawback, a rechargeable battery may be incorporated in the surgical instrument and recharged using a recharger. However, the related art has a drawback that the sterilized surgical instrument must be sterilized again or must be handled carefully so as not to be contaminated during connection of the recharger. Moreover, measures must be taken to maintain the watertightness of the junction between the surgical instrument and recharger.[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• An object of the present invention is to provide a surgical apparatus making it possible to recharge a sterilized surgical instrument without risk of contamination.[0011]
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a surgical apparatus substantially obviating the necessity of renewing a battery during surgery.[0012]
• A surgical apparatus according to the invention is comprised of a surgical instrument, an energy generation unit, an energy radiating device, and a charging energy producing device. The surgical instrument has a rechargeable secondary battery and a treatment section to be electrically driven by the secondary battery, and can be disinfected or sterilized. The energy generation unit is located outside the surgical instrument and used to recharge the secondary battery. The energy radiating device included in the energy generation unit radiates energy. The charging energy producing device is incorporated in the surgical instrument, receives energy without the need for the surgical instrument and energy generation unit to be in contact with each other, and produces energy used to recharge the secondary battery.[0013]
• Consequently, the secondary battery can be recharged without the sterilized surgical instrument being contaminated. Moreover, the recharge substantially obviates the necessity of renewing the battery during surgery.[0014]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 to FIG. 5B relate to the first embodiment of the present invention;[0015]
• FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a surgical system including the first embodiment;[0016]
• FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the surgical system being recharged;[0017]
• FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C show the principles of operation for noncontact recharge and the electrical systems of a surgical instrument and a recharger;[0018]
• FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C are block diagrams showing examples of the configurations of surgical instruments;[0019]
• FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show the electrical systems of a surgical instrument and a recharger in accordance with a variant;[0020]
• FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention;[0021]
• FIG. 6 is a sectional diagram showing the configuration of a surgical instrument employed in the second embodiment;[0022]
• FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical system of the surgical instrument;[0023]
• FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention;[0024]
• FIG. 8 shows the appearance of a surgical system having the third embodiment;[0025]
• FIG. 9 shows the configuration of part of the surgical system shown in FIG. 8;[0026]
• FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;[0027]
• FIG. 10 shows the appearance of a surgical apparatus in accordance with the fourth embodiment;[0028]
• FIG. 11 shows the internal configurations of a surgical instrument and a recharger;[0029]
• FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a recharge receptacle freely attachable or detachable to or from the recharger;[0030]
• FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B schematically show a surgical instrument in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention;[0031]
• FIG. 14 to FIG. 17 relate to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;[0032]
• FIG. 14 shows the appearance of an ultrasonic treatment instrument in accordance with the sixth embodiment;[0033]
• FIG. 15 details the configuration of the ultrasonic treatment instrument shown in FIG. 14;[0034]
• FIG. 16 shows the configuration of an output adjustment mechanism included in the ultrasonic treatment instrument;[0035]
• FIG. 17 shows an output adjustment mechanism in accordance with a variant;[0036]
• FIG. 18 shows the configuration of an output adjustment mechanism and others included in an ultrasonic treatment instrument in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention;[0037]
• FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 relate to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;[0038]
• FIG. 19 shows the configuration of an output adjustment mechanism included in a high-frequency treatment instrument in accordance with the eighth embodiment;[0039]
• FIG. 20 shows the configuration of a strain detection device;[0040]
• FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;[0041]
• FIG. 21 shows the appearance of an ultrasonic treatment instrument in accordance with the fourth embodiment;[0042]
• FIG. 22 shows the configuration of the major portion of the ultrasonic treatment instrument;[0043]
• FIG. 23 shows the configuration of the major portion of an ultrasonic treatment instrument in accordance with the tenth embodiment of the present invention;[0044]
• FIG. 24 shows the configuration of the major portion of an ultrasonic treatment instrument in accordance with the eleventh embodiment of the present invention;[0045]
• FIG. 25 to FIG. 27 relate to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention;[0046]
• FIG. 25 is an oblique view showing the appearance of an ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument in accordance with the twelfth embodiment;[0047]
• FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument shown in FIG. 25;[0048]
• FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument;[0049]
• FIG. 28 shows an operation unit for an ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;[0050]
• FIG. 29 shows a bipolar coagulator in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;[0051]
• FIG. 30 to FIG. 34 relate to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;[0052]
• FIG. 30 shows the configuration of a battery-powered ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment;[0053]
• FIG. 31 shows the configuration of a drive circuit shown in FIG. 30;[0054]
• FIG. 32 shows the relationship between an amount of energy output from a control circuit shown in FIG. 31 to a drive unit and the frequency of an output sound of a buzzer;[0055]
• FIG. 33 shows the first example of a cylinder shown in FIG. 30;[0056]
• FIG. 34 shows the second example of the cylinder shown in FIG. 30;[0057]
• FIG. 35 shows the configuration of a battery-powered ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument in accordance with the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention;[0058]
• FIG. 36 to FIG. 39 relate to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention;[0059]
• FIG. 36 shows the configuration of a surgical instrument in accordance with the seventeenth embodiment;[0060]
• FIG. 37 shows a conducting state of a battery unit shown in FIG. 36;[0061]
• FIG. 38A and FIG. 38B details the configuration of the battery unit shown in FIG. 37;[0062]
• FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram concerning renewal of a battery in the battery unit;[0063]
• FIG. 40 shows the major configuration of a surgical instrument in accordance with the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention; and[0064]
• FIG. 41 shows the configuration of a surgical instrument in accordance with the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.[0065]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings below.[0066]
• (First Embodiment)[0067]
• An[0068]surgical system1 according to the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, is comprised of arecharger2 and asurgical instrument3A or3B. Therecharger2 serves as an energy generation unit and is constructed to generate energy used for recharge and radiate the energy. Thesurgical instrument3A or3B is used to perform surgery (treatment) on a living body for cure. A charging energy producing device described below which receives energy from therecharger2, and a rechargeablesecondary battery4 is incorporated in thesurgical instrument3A or3B.
• [0069]Surgical instrument3A or3B further include a hand-heldportion5 held by an operator and ashaft portion6 extending out of the hand-heldportion5. Atreatment section7A or7B used to treat a living tissue or the like is formed as the distal part of theshaft portion6.
• The hand-held[0070]portion5 has aswitch8. Theswitch8 is turned on or off for activating or deactivatingtreatment section7A or7B.
• [0071]Recharger2 has apower cord11 to be plugged into the mains. Aplug12 attached to the distal end of thepower cord11 is fitted into a mains receptacle, whereby alternating electrical energy is supplied from the mains to anoutput circuit15 via apower switch14.
• The[0072]output circuit15 converts the alternating electrical energy into, electrical energy of a higher frequency. Theoutput circuit15 is connected to apower transmission circuit16 including apower transmission coil16a.
• The[0073]output circuit15 may include, as shown in FIG. 3B, apower circuit15a, anoscillator circuit15b, and anamplifier15c. Theoscillator circuit15boscillates with direct voltage produced by thepower circuit15a. Direct current is supplied from the power circuit to theamplifier15cthat amplifies an oscillating signal output from theoscillator circuit15b. Thepower transmission coil16aincluded in the power transmission circuit is connected to the output terminal of theamplifier15c.
• The[0074]oscillator circuit15boscillates at frequencies ranging from, for example, several kilohertz to several megahertz. The (high-frequency signal is amplified by theamplifier15cand sent to thepower transmission coil16aserving as a power transmitting means.
• Then, electromagnetic energy is radiated from the[0075]power transmission coil16ato the surroundings.
• As shown in FIG. 2, a concave[0076]vial placement section18 is formed on the top of therecharger2. Avial17 in which the cleansurgical instruments3A and3B that have been washed and disinfected (or sterilized) is put is placed on thevial placement section18. Thevial17 can be washed and disinfected (or sterilized).
• The body of[0077]recharger2 having thepower transmission coil16aembedded therein, and thevial17 are made of a material transparent to electromagnetic energy, for example, a glass or a resin such as Teflon.
• The[0078]surgical instruments3A and3B are put in theclean vial17.Secondary batteries4 in thesurgical instruments3A and3B are recharged from therecharger2 by the energy radiated bypower transmission coil16a.
• Specifically, with[0079]surgical instruments3A and3B are held separated from therecharger2 invial17, electromagnetic energy used for recharge is supplied topower reception units21, which are incorporated in thesurgical instruments3A and3B, via thevial17.
• As shown in FIG. 2,[0080]surgical instrument3A is comprised of thepower reception unit21, arectification control unit22, thesecondary battery4, anenergy conversion unit23, and thetreatment section7A. Thepower reception unit21 receives electromagnetic energy radiated from thepower transmission circuit16. Therectification control unit22 converts the electromagnetic energy received by thepower reception unit21 into direct current and adjusts the voltage to a level suitable for recharging thesecondary battery4. The battery may be comprised of nickel-hydrogen cells, nickel-copper cells or the like that are rechargeable with an output of therectification control unit22.
• The[0081]energy conversion unit23 is driven by thesecondary battery4. Thetreatment section7A, for example, a knife, may be driven directly by theenergy conversion unit23 or via theshaft portion6 serving as a propagation member.
• When the[0082]surgical instrument3A is, for example, an ultrasonic knife, theenergy conversion unit23 is, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 4A, comprised of anultrasonic generator circuit23aand anultrasonic transducer23b.
• FIG. 1 shows a practical configuration of a surgical instrument such as an ultrasonic knife.[0083]
• The[0084]surgical instrument3A has abattery chamber31 near the back end of the hand-heldportion5. Theback end31aof thebattery chamber31 is open, and terminates in a threaded portion which mates with a threadedlid32. A seal such as anO ring33 is located in agroove33ainlid32. When thelid32 is engaged with thebattery chamber31, the interior of the battery chamber can thus be held watertight.
• A[0085]power reception coil21aincluded in thepower reception unit21 is wound about thebattery chamber31. Electrical energy induced in thepower reception coil21ais input to therectification control unit22 over a lead22a. Therectification control unit22 adjusts an amount of electrical energy according to voltage suitable for recharging thesecondary battery4 and supplies the electrical energy to the battery.
• The[0086]secondary battery4 is connected to theultrasonic generator circuit23avia theswitch8. Theultrasonic transducer23bis connected to the output terminal of theultrasonic generator circuit23a. When an output signal of theultrasonic generator circuit23ais applied to theultrasonic transducer23b, theultrasonic transducer23boscillates at an ultrasonic frequency.
• In FIG. 1, the[0087]power reception coil21a,rectification control unit22, andultrasonic generator circuit23aare embedded in an insulating member.
• The[0088]front end24 of theultrasonic transducer23bis connected to theshaft portion6 through anintermediate horn34. Ultrasonic waves generated by theultrasonic transducer23bare amplified by thehorn34, and propagated into thedistal treatment section7A by way of theshaft portion6.
• The junction between the front end of the[0089]horn34 and theshaft portion6 is shielded with a cover member (armor member) covering the hand-heldportion5 via aseal member35 such as a rubber member. The interior of the hand-heldportion5 is held watertight so that the hand-heldportion5 can not only be washed with a cleaning solvent but also be disinfected (or sterilized) with a disinfectant (or a sterilant). Moreover, the hand-heldportion5 resists sterilization to be performed using a sterilization gas.
• [0090]Shaft portion6 may be sealed at the proximal end of thehorn34 as shown in FIG. 4A.
• FIG. 3C shows a practical example of the electrical system of the[0091]surgical instrument3A.
• Specifically, the[0092]power reception coil21ahas both ends thereof connected to input terminals of arectifier circuit22aincluded in therectification control unit22. After alternating current is rectified and smoothed, the resultant current is stabilized by a constant-voltage diode22bso that constant voltage will be developed at the secondary battery. The constant-voltage diode22bis connected to thesecondary battery4 via ananti-reverse flow diode22c.
• The[0093]secondary battery4 has one terminal thereof connected directly to an input terminal of theultrasonic generator circuit23a. The other terminal of thesecondary battery4 is connected to the input terminal of the ultrasonic generator circuit via theswitch8. Theultrasonic transducer23bis connected to the output terminals of theultrasonic generator circuit23a.
• The[0094]surgical instrument3B has the same configuration as thesurgical instrument3A except that theshaft portion6 thereof is longer than that of thesurgical instrument3A and that thedistal treatment section7B thereof is shaped like, for example, a hook. Thesurgical instrument3B can be disinfected in the same manner as thesurgical instrument3A.
• [0095]Surgical instruments3A and3B have been described as ultrasonic knives. Alternatively, thesurgical instrument3A or3B may be anelectric cauterizer3C as shown in FIG. 4B, or may be a motor-driventreatment instrument3D as shown in FIG. 4C.
• As shown in FIG. 4B, the[0096]electric cauterizer3C has a high-frequency output circuit23cin place of the ultrasonic generator circuit included in theultrasonic knife3A. The high-frequency output circuit23coscillates at a high frequency. An oscillating output of the high-frequency output circuit is amplified and output. The output terminal of the high-frequency output circuit23cis connected to the primary winding of anoutput transformer23d. A high-frequency output signal is supplied to the secondary winding thereof isolated from the primary winding.
• A pair of high-[0097]frequency electrodes36aand36bis connected to the secondary winding of theoutput transformer23d. A high-frequency output signal is transmitted to thetreatment section7C is located distally to the high-frequency electrodes. Thetreatment section7C is brought into contact with a living tissue to be treated, whereby resection or cauterizer can be achieved.
• A section of the hand-held[0098]portion5 from which the high-frequency electrodes36aand36bextend is sealed to be watertight and airtight using an insulatingmember37.
• The motor-driven[0099]treatment instrument3D shown in FIG. 4C has amotor control unit23ein place of theultrasonic generator circuit23aincluded in theultrasonic knife3A shown in FIG. 4A. Amotor23fis driven to rotate with an output signal of themotor control unit23e.
• A[0100]shaft portion38 extending from the hand-heldportion5 is coupled to the axis of rotation of themotor23f. Arotary brush39, for example, may be formed as a treatment section in the distal part of theshaft portion38. Therotary brush39 is used to peel off surface tissue or perform any other treatment.
• A[0101]seal member40 such as an O ring is put on a section of the hand-heldportion5 from which theshaft portion38 extends, whereby watertightness is maintained.
• Operations to be exerted by the first embodiment having the foregoing components will be described below.[0102]
• For performing surgery using the[0103]surgical instruments3A and3B shown in FIG. 1, thelid32 is opened in order to stow thesecondary battery4 in thebattery chamber31. Thelid32 is then closed. At this time, thesurgical instruments3A and3B are held watertight and airtight, and can therefore be washed and disinfected (or sterilized).
• The[0104]surgical instruments3A and3B are then washed and disinfected (or sterilized), and put in thevial17 placed on thevial placement section18 on the top of therecharger2. Thevial17 has been washed and disinfected (or sterilized).
• The[0105]plug12 of therecharger2 is fitted into a mains receptacle, and theswitch14 is turned on. Consequently, an oscillating signal output from theoscillator circuit15bincluded in theoutput circuit15 of therecharger2 shown in FIG. 3B is amplified by theamplifier15c, and applied to thepower transmission coil16a. An A.C. electromagnetic field is produced around thepower transmission coil16a. The electromagnetic field induces A.C. current flow inpower reception coil21a. Thus, energy is propagated to thepower reception coil21awithout the need for a conductive connection with the power transmission coil.
• As shown in FIG. 3C, the high-frequency signal produced by the[0106]power reception circuit21ais supplied to therectification control unit22, rectified by therectifier circuit22a, and adjusted so that a voltage suitable for recharge will be developed at the secondary battery. The resultant signal is applied to thesecondary battery4, whereby thesecondary battery4 is recharged.
• When the time required for recharge elapses, surgery can be performed using the[0107]secondary battery4. An operator picks up, for example, thesurgical instrument3A from thevial17, holds the hand-heldportion5, and presses an On switch of theswitch8. Driving power is then supplied from thesecondary battery4 to theultrasonic generator circuit23a. Theultrasonic generator circuit23ain turn produces oscillations at an ultrasonic frequency. The ultrasonically oscillating output of the ultrasonic generator circuit is applied to theultrasonic transducer23b. This causes the ultrasonic transducer to oscillate at the ultrasonic frequency. The ultrasonic waves are propagated to thedistal treatment section7A by way of theshaft portion6. This brings thetreatment section7A into contact with a living tissue. Consequently, resection or any other treatment is carried out.
• After use, the[0108]surgical instrument3A is washed and disinfected (or sterilized), put in thevial17 again, and recharged.
• Owing to the foregoing components, the[0109]secondary battery4 incorporated in thesurgical instrument3A is recharged so that thesurgical instrument3A can be reused repeatedly. Thesurgical instrument3A or the like must be washed and sterilized prior to every use. Therecharger2 is unclean. Thevial17 that has been washed and sterilized in advance is placed on therecharger2. Thesurgical instrument3A or the like is then put in thevial17. Thus, thesurgical instrument3A or the like that has been sterilized can be recharged without risk of contamination.
• If the number of times by which the[0110]secondary battery4 is recharged reaches a limit due to repeated use, thesecondary battery4 may be replaced with a new one.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B show energy propagating devices.[0111]
• Referring to FIG. 5A, a light-emitting device such as a light-emitting diode (LED)[0112]16bis caused to glow using a direct-current power source that is thepower circuit15a. Light emitted from theLED16bis received by a photoelectric converter such as asolar battery21b, whereby electromotive force causing direct current to flow is induced. The electromotive force is applied to thesecondary battery4 via a control unit comprised of a constant-voltage diode22bandanti-reverse flow diode22c.
• In this case, a light-emitting section of the[0113]recharger2 above theLED16bas well as thevial17 should be made of a material transparent to light, such as, a glass. Moreover, thesolar battery21 is embedded in the back end of the surgical instrument, for example, in thelid32 so that the light-receiving section of thesolar battery21 will be opposed to the outer surface of the surgical instrument.
• Referring to FIG. 5B, the[0114]oscillator circuit15bis oscillated using a direct-current source that is thepower circuit15a. An oscillating output of the oscillator circuit causes a sound travelling device such as anultrasonic loudspeaker16cto output acoustic energy such as ultrasonic energy. Anultrasonic microphone21cor the like receives the acoustic energy and converts it into electrical energy. The electrical energy is supplied to thesecondary battery4 via therectification control unit22. Thesecondary battery4 may thus be recharged.
• The present embodiment provides advantages described below.[0115]
• According to the present embodiment, the[0116]secondary battery4 incorporated in the battery-drivensurgical instrument3A or the like is recharged repeatedly. This makes thesurgical instrument3A or the like reusable many times. Contacts that are electrically coupled to each other are not needed for recharging the battery. The secondary battery can be recharged while held in noncontact with an unclean recharger. Consequently, the secondary battery can be recharged with the surgical instrument left sterilized.
• In short, the surgical instrument will not be contaminated but be recharged readily. The recharge work is simplified greatly, and recharge control is simplified.[0117]
• Since recharge is thus achieved, the trouble that a battery is exhausted during surgery (electrical energy runs short) and other troubles can be avoided.[0118]
• (Second Embodiment)[0119]
• Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The present embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except that a device for indicating that recharge is completed is in the[0120]surgical instrument3A of the first embodiment.
• FIG. 6 shows a[0121]surgical instrument3E in accordance with this embodiment. Thesurgical instrument3E will be described in comparison with thesurgical instrument3A shown in FIG. 1. Namely, instead of therectification control unit22, a rectificationcontrol judgment unit42 formed by adding a recharged state judgment block41 to therectification control unit22 is included in the hand-heldportion5. A rechargecompletion indicator LED43 connected to the rectificationcontrol judgment unit42 is mounted on the outer surface of the hand-heldportion5.
• FIG. 7 shows the electrical system of the[0122]surgical instrument3E. As shown in FIG. 7, the output terminals of therectifier circuit22aare connected to the positive and negative power terminals of acomparator41aincluded in the recharged state judgment block41. A constant-voltage diode22bis connected to therectifier circuit22avia a current limiting resistor R1.
• The cathode of the constant-[0123]voltage diode22bis connected to the anode of thesecondary battery4 via a selection switch SW and theanti-reverse flow diode22c.
• The anode voltage of the[0124]secondary battery4 is applied to the noninverting input terminal of thecomparator41a. A voltage stabilized by the constant-voltage diode22bis lowered at resistors R2 and R3. A resultant reference voltage is applied to the inverting input terminal of thecomparator41a.
• A resistor R[0125]4 and a capacitor C are connected to the output terminal of thecomparator41a. When the voltage at thesecondary battery4 exceeds the reference voltage, a voltage applied to charge the capacitor C is used to change the selection switch SW from a contact a to a contact b. Consequently, theLED43 connected to the contact b is allowed to glow.
• Incidentally, the resistances given by the resistors R[0126]2 and R3 are determined so that a voltage developed at thesecondary battery4 will be equal to the reference voltage at the completion of recharge.
• Moreover, the selection switch SW is formed with, for example, an analog switch. The selection switch SW is, similarly to the comparator[0127]41, powered by therectifier circuit22a(omitted from FIG. 7 for brevity's sake). The other components are identical to those of the first embodiment.
• The present embodiment operates in the same manner as the first embodiment. In addition, when recharging the secondary battery is completed, the fact is detected by checking if the voltage at the secondary battery has exceeded the reference voltage. The contacts of the selection switch SW are then changed to prevent charging current from flowing into the[0128]secondary battery4. Besides, theLED43 is allowed to glow (lit).
• When the[0129]LED43 is lit, an operator recognizes that recharging thesurgical instrument3E has been completed. The operator should use a surgical instrument whoseLED43 is lit. It can thus be reliably prevented that a battery is exhausted during surgery.
• The present embodiment can provide the same advantages as the first embodiment. In addition, by checking if the[0130]LED43 is lit (or unlit), it can be recognized whether recharging thesecondary battery4 has been completed. Moreover, excessive recharge can be prevented, thereby lengthening the service life of thesecondary battery4.
• In the present embodiment, a detecting means is included for detecting whether recharge is completed. When completion of recharge is detected, the[0131]LED43 is lit in order to notify a user of completion of recharge. Alternatively, theLED43 may be lit during recharge. When recharge is completed, theLED43 may be put out. Whether recharge is in progress or completed may thus be notified.
• For charging indication, the anode of the[0132]LED43 shown in FIG. 7 is connected together with the anode of thediode22cto the contact a of the selection switch SW. When recharge is in progress, a dedicated LED may be lit. When recharge is completed, theLED43 for emitting light whose wavelengths are different from those of light emitted from the LED may be lit. Whether recharge is in progress or completed may thus be notified.
• In this case, the[0133]LED43 shown in FIG. 7 is realized with an LED that glows in green. To indicate charging, the cathode and anode of another LED that glows in red are connected to the cathode of theLED43 and the contact a of the selection switch SW that are shown in FIG. 7.
• (Third Embodiment)[0134]
• A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.[0135]
• FIG. 8 shows a tray-like[0136]surgical system51. Thesurgical system51 consists of arecharger52, acart53 on which therecharger52 is placed, asterilization tray54 placed on therecharger52. One or more battery-drivensurgical instruments55 may be placed in thesterilization tray54, along with ordinarysurgical instruments56.
• A[0137]cord11 is extended from therecharger52, and aplug12 is attached to the distal end of thecord11.
• The[0138]recharger52 has the same components as that in the first embodiment. Thepower transmission circuit16 is, as shown in FIG. 9, included for supplying energy to thepower reception units21 incorporated in the battery-drivensurgical instruments55 placed on therecharger52. At this time, thepower transmission circuit16 is in noncontact with thepower reception units21. Energy received by thepower reception unit21 is supplied to thesecondary battery4 via therectification control unit22. Thesecondary battery4 is thus recharged.
• When the surgical system is of the tray type, the[0139]surgical instruments55 can be freely oriented in any direction. Aweight57 is therefore incorporated in each battery-drivensurgical instrument55, so that thepower transmission circuit16 andpower reception unit21 will be oriented so properly as to efficiently transmit energy. For example, when thepower transmission circuit16 andpower reception unit21 are formed with coils, they are oriented so that the axial directions of the coils will be parallel to each other. Thus, energy generated by the coil of thepower transmission circuit16 can be received efficiently by the coil of thepower reception unit21.
• According to the third embodiment, the[0140]surgical instruments55 oriented freely are put in thelarge sterilization tray54. Nevertheless, the surgical instruments are recharged reliably.
• Similarly to the second embodiment, when recharging the[0141]secondary battery4 is completed, charging current may be prevented from flowing into thesecondary battery4. TheLED43 or the like maybe used to notify a user of the completion of recharge.
• (Fourth Embodiment)[0142]
• Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 12.[0143]
• FIG. 10 shows a rechargeable ultrasonic coagulation/[0144]incision apparatus61 comprised of arecharger62 and an ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument63 having a built-in secondary battery4 (see FIG. 11).
• The[0145]recharger62 has receptacle attachment/detachment recesses62a(see FIG. 12) which receive recharge receptacles. The receptacles are removable for washing and sterilization.
• Prior to surgery, the ultrasonic coagulation/[0146]incision instrument63 andrecharge receptacles64 are sterilized. For use, therecharge receptacles64 are mounted in therecharger62, and the ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument63 is inserted.
• As shown in FIG. 11, the[0147]recharger62 has, for example, aprimary coil67 as thepower transmission circuit16. A secondary coil68 (serving as the power reception unit21) is placed inside ahousing69 of the hand-heldportion5 of the ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument63. Energy is propagated to thesecondary coil68 due to electromagnetic induction. The energy is converted into a voltage suitable for recharge by means of therectification control unit22 connected to thesecondary coil68, and then applied to thesecondary battery4. Thesecondary battery4 is thus recharged.
• The recharge receptacles[0148]64 are made of a resin such as Teflon or a ceramic that is resistant to disinfection and sterilization. The recharge receptacles64 are electrically insulated. Although eachrecharge receptacle64 is interposed between theprimary coil67 andsecondary coil68, electromagnetic energy induced in theprimary coil67 can be propagated to thesecondary coil68.
• The[0149]secondary battery4 is connected to theultrasonic generator circuit23avia a switch (not shown). When the switch is turned on, an oscillating output of theultrasonic generator circuit23ais applied to theultrasonic transducer23b. Ultrasonic waves generated from theultrasonic transducer23bare propagated to thedistal treatment section7B via thehorn34 andaxial portion6, and cause thedistal treatment section7B to oscillate at an ultrasonic frequency.
• According to the fourth embodiment, each[0150]recharge receptacle64 is interposed between theprimary coil67 andsecondary coil68. Consequently, recharge can be achieved with the ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument left sterilized.
• (Fifth Embodiment)[0151]
• The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13A. FIG. 13A shows a battery-driven[0152]treatment instrument71 to be employed in endoscopic surgery. The battery-driventreatment instrument71 is comprised of anoperation unit72 and aninsertion unit73. Asecondary battery74 extends through theoperation unit72 andinsertion unit73.
• FIG. 13B shows another battery-driven[0153]treatment instrument71′ to be employed in endoscopic surgery. A differently-shapedsecondary battery75 extends through theoperation unit72 andinsertion unit73. Thepower reception unit21 employed in, for example, the first embodiment is incorporated in the operation unit72 (not shown).
• An advantage of the fifth embodiment is that the relatively heavy[0154]secondary battery74 or75 is extends through the bothinsertion unit73 andoperation unit72, the treatment instrument is well balanced and easy to use.
• As mentioned previously, according to the first to fifth embodiments, a secondary battery in a surgical instrument can be recharged while held in noncontact with an energy generation unit. In other words, the secondary battery can be recharged with the sterilized surgical instrument left uncontaminated. Moreover, the necessity of renewing a battery during surgery can be substantially obviated.[0155]
• In the embodiments of surgical instruments described below, it will be understood that charging units as described in connection with the first through fifth embodiments may be employed, and further description will be omitted.[0156]
• Several embodiments will not be described in which treatment energy output from a treatment section can be adjusted readily and quickly, and an amount of energy output to the treatment section can be adjusted to facilitate delicate or precise treatment.[0157]
• (Sixth Embodiment)[0158]
• As shown in FIG. 14, an[0159]ultrasonic treatment instrument81A that is a motor-driven surgical instrument is comprised of anelongated insertion unit82 to be inserted into a body cavity and anoperating unit83 formed at the back end of theinsertion unit82. The operatingunit83 is hand-held for manipulating theultrasonic treatment instrument81A. The operatingunit83 includes ahandle portion84 and amovable manipulation lever85.
• As shown in FIG. 15, the[0160]ultrasonic treatment instrument81A has anultrasonic transducer82 located in ahousing91 ofoperating unit83. Theultrasonic transducer92 oscillates at an ultrasonic frequency in response to a driving signal sent from atransducer drive unit93.
• Ultrasonic waves (driving force) generated by the[0161]ultrasonic transducer92 are propagated to anultrasonic treatment section97 via ahorn94 and anultrasonic propagation rod96. Theultrasonic propagation rod96 is linked to thehorn94 and run through ahollow sheath95 which forms an insertion unit. Theultrasonic treatment section97 is formed by the distal part of the ultrasonic propagation rod96 (extending out of the distal end of the sheath95). Theultrasonic treatment section97 may be in contact, for example, with a lesion. The lesion is ultrasonically heated and incised or coagulated by utilizing the ultrasonic waves.
• The junction between the[0162]horn94 andultrasonic propagation rod96 is sealed using asealing O ring98. Thus, the interior of the treatment instrument behind thehorn94 is held watertight.
• The[0163]transducer drive unit93 is comprised of anelectrical oscillator circuit101 and a gain control amplifier (GCA)102. Thegain control amplifier102 amplifies an output of theoscillator circuit101 at a variable amplification factor (or by a variable gain). Acontrol circuit103 varies the gain produced by theGCA102. The oscillating output amplified by the gain by theGCA102 is applied to theultrasonic transducer92.
• The[0164]ultrasonic transducer92 is formed, for example, by a bolted Langevin transducer having piezoelectric ceramics layered.
• A[0165]battery104 is positioned in a battery chamber in the lowermost area inside thehandle portion84.
• The[0166]battery104 supplies operating power to thecontrol circuit103 via a power switch (not shown). Power is supplied from thebattery104 to thetransducer drive unit93 via aswitch113.
• The open end of the battery chamber is blocked with a[0167]lid105. When thelid105 is moved downward, thebattery104 can be replaced with a new one. A seal member such as anO ring106 is put on the open end and abutting on thelid105, whereby the interior of thehandle portion84 is held watertight.
• According to the present embodiment, the[0168]manipulation lever85 is movable. Anoutput adjustment mechanism111 cooperates withcontrol circuit103 to adjust ultrasonic treatment energy generated byultrasonic treatment section97 according to the magnitude of movement ofmanipulation lever85.
• Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the[0169]manipulation lever85 has apin112 piercing the proximal end thereof. Thepin112 is fitted in aguide groove113 in the body of operatingunit83 and movable longitudinally therein.
• As shown in FIG. 15, the portion of the[0170]housing91 in which theguide groove113 is bored is made thicker.
• An[0171]arm114 projects from near the center position in a longitudinal direction of themanipulation lever85 towards thehandle portion84. Themanipulation lever85 is pulled towards thehandle portion84, e.g., by a finger put on themanipulation lever85. This causes acylinder115 to move in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the guide groove113 (direction of arrow A in FIG. 16). Thecylinder115 is attached to the distal end of thearm114 on the side of the handle portion.
• The[0172]housing91 of thehandle portion84 has a cylinder fitting hole into which thecylinder115 is fitted. AnO ring116 on the perimeter of the cylinder fitting hole, provides a watertight seal.
• A[0173]piston118 based by acompression spring112 extends out ofcylinder115. Apiezoelectric switch119 is attached to the extending portion ofpiston118.
• As shown in FIG. 16, the[0174]piezoelectric switch119 has, for example, fourpiezoelectric elements120a,120b,120c, and120dlayered. Voltage is developed across a piezoelectric element proportional to an applied force. The voltage is output to thecontrol circuit103 through electrodes, which are not shown, formed on both sides of the piezoelectric element.
• Each the four[0175]piezoelectric elements120ato120dhas a different sensitivity to applied force. For example, thepiezoelectric element120ahas the highest sensitivity, and thepiezoelectric element120bhas the second highest sensitivity. Thepiezoelectric element120chas the third highest sensitivity, and thepiezoelectric element120dhas the lowest sensitivity. When thepiezoelectric switch119 is pressed with feeble force exerted by thespring117, even the most sensitivepiezoelectric element120awill not generate any voltage.
• Outputs (voltages) from the[0176]piezoelectric elements120ato120dare input to fourcomparators121a,121b,121c, and121din thecontrol circuit103, and compared with a reference voltage that has undergone voltage drops caused by, for example, resistors R1 and R2. Outputs of the fourcomparators121ato121dare input to adecoder122. Thedecoder122 decodes the four outputs, produces a gain control signal whose level is proportional to the applied force, and provides the signal to the gain control terminal of theGCA102.
• The[0177]GCA102 amplifies an input signal by a gain proportional to the voltage level of the gain control signal applied to the gain control terminal, and outputs the resultant signal. An output signal of theoscillator circuit101 input to theGCA102 is amplified by a gain proportional to the voltage level of the gain control signal applied to the gain control terminal of theGCA102, and then applied to theultrasonic transducer92.
• The output of the[0178]comparator121ais also used to control whether ananalog switch123 is turned on or off. Theanalog switch123 is connected in series with the power switch (not shown), and interposed between thesecondary battery104 and the power terminal of thetransducer drive unit93. When themanipulation lever85 is manipulated to the extent that the threshold force forpiezoelectric element120ais exceeded, an output from the mostsensitive comparator121ais driven high, driving power is supplied from thesecondary battery104 to theoscillator circuit101 andGCA102.
• In other words, according to the present embodiment, when the power switch is manipulated, power is supplied from the[0179]secondary battery104 to thecontrol circuit103 andanalog switch123. Power is supplied to thetransducer drive unit93 only when themanipulation lever85 is moved to such an extent that the output from thecomparator121aassumes a certain voltage level or more. This is intended to save electrical energy to be consumed by thetransducer drive unit93 when themanipulation lever85 remains unmoved.
• Operations to be exerted by the[0180]ultrasonic treatment instrument81A of the sixth embodiment having the foregoing components will be described below.
• Assume that, for example, the ultrasonic treatment instrument is inserted into the abdominal cavity for resetting a lesion or performing surgery to arrest bleeding. In this case, an endoscope (not shown) is inserted into the abdominal cavity using a trocar and cannula so that a lesion can be observed, and the[0181]ultrasonic treatment81A is inserted while guided with the trocar and cannula.
• When it becomes possible to observe the lesion and the distal part of the[0182]ultrasonic treatment instrument81A using the endoscope, the power switch of theultrasonic treatment instrument81A is turned on to actuate thecontrol circuit103. Thedistal treatment section97 of theinsertion unit82 is abutted against the lesion. In this state, thehandle portion84 of theoperation unit83 is held with a hand, and a finger is rested on the finger rest of themanipulation lever85. Themanipulation lever85 is then pulled towards thehandle portion84.
• When the[0183]piston118 is left pressed against thepiezoelectric switch119 due to elastic force exerted by thespring117, pressing force is applied to the fourpiezoelectric elements120ato120dconstituting thepiezoelectric switch119. The pressing force is proportional to manipulating force with which themanipulation lever85 is pulled towards thehandle portion84.
• When voltage generated by the most sensitive[0184]piezoelectric element120aexceeds a reference level due to the pressing force, an output of thecomparator121ais driven high and theswitch123 is turned on. Consequently, power is supplied to thetransducer drive unit93.
• The[0185]oscillator circuit101 then oscillates. An oscillating output of the oscillator circuit is applied to theultrasonic transducer92 via theGCA102.
• Assuming that the applied force is small, when voltage generated by the[0186]piezoelectric element120aexceeds the reference level, voltages generated by all thepiezoelectric elements120ato120dhave exceeded the reference level.
• When the output of the[0187]comparator121aalone is driven high, the gain produced by theGCA102 is small, and the amplitude of a transducer driving signal to be applied to theultrasonic transducer92 is small. Consequently, the amount of ultrasonic treatment energy output from thetreatment section97 is small.
• Moreover, when the outputs of all the[0188]comparators121ato121dare driven high, the gain produced by theGCA102 is the largest and the amplitude of the transducer driving signal to be applied to theultrasonic transducer92 is the largest. Consequently, the amount of ultrasonic treatment energy output from thetreatment section97 is large.
• Consequently, force with which the[0189]manipulation lever85 is pulled towards thehandle portion84 is adjusted so that an amount of ultrasonic output energy suitable for incision can be produced.
• For coagulating a bleeding lesion, the force with which the[0190]manipulation lever85 is pulled towards thehandle portion84 is adjusted to thus set the amount of ultrasonic treatment output energy to a value proportional to the magnitude of force. Consequently, the lesion to be coagulated can be treated with the ultrasonic treatment energy output from the magnitude suitable for coagulation.
• According to the present embodiment, the[0191]manipulation lever85 is manipulated with a finger of a hand holding theoperation unit83 of theultrasonic treatment instrument81A. The output of thedistal treatment section97 of theinsertion unit82 can be readily varied nearly proportionally to the manipulating force. An operator can therefore readily set the amount of treatment output energy to his/her desired value.
• Moreover, since an amount of energy can be varied with a simple manipulation performed with a hand holding the ultrasonic treatment instrument, a surgical procedure requiring a precise and delicate skill can be carried out smoothly.[0192]
• FIG. 17 shows an alternative[0193]output adjustment mechanism111′. In this variant, an elastic-conductingdevice126 having conductivity and elasticity is used instead of thepiezoelectric switch119 shown in FIG. 16. When the elastic-conductingdevice126 is compressed, its resistance decreases.
• The elastic-conducting[0194]device126 has one end thereof fixed to arestriction plate127 positioned in the housing and the other end abutted onpiston118 biased byspring117.
• One of the[0195]electrodes126aformed on elastic-conductingdevice126 is connected to a power terminal Vc (the positive electrode of the secondary battery104), and theother electrode126bis connected to a ground terminal via a resistor R3.Electrode126bis also connected to the noninverting output terminals of thecomparators121a,121b,121c, and121dcomprising acontrol circuit103′.
• The inverting output terminal of the[0196]comparator121ashown in FIG. 16 is grounded via a resistor R1, and the inverting input terminal ofcomparator121dis connected to the power terminal via a resistor R2.
• In the variant shown in FIG. 17, resistors R[0197]4, R5, and R6 are connected, respectively, between the inverting input terminals of thecomparators121aand121b,121band121c, and121cand121d. Resistors R4-R6 are also connected in series with resistors R1 and R2 between the battery and ground.
• The other components are identical to those of the sixth embodiment. Accordingly, in the variant of FIG. 17, when[0198]manipulation lever85 is pressed, thepiston118 exerts force, elastic-conductingdevice126, and the resistance thereof is reduced. Voltage to be applied to the noninverting output terminals of thecomparators121ato121aincreases accordingly.
• When the voltage exceeds a reference level determined with voltage applied to the noninverting input terminal of the[0199]comparator121a, theswitch123 is turned on. The outputs of thecomparators121ato121dare decoded by thedecoder122. A gain control signal proportional to force with which the elastic-conductingdevice126 experience is thus applied to theGCA102. The amplitude of a driving signal used to drive theultrasonic transducer92 is thus controlled.
• Moreover, an amount of treatment energy output from the[0200]treatment section97 is set to a value proportional to the amplitude of the driving signal. In short, this variant provides substantially the same operations and advantages as the sixth embodiment. In addition, however, it is observed that with a piezoelectric switch, voltages generated by thepiezoelectric elements120ato120dare likely to be neutralized due to movement of charges made during a specific time interval. For this reason, if the manipulating force applied to lever85 changes slowly, the generated voltages tend to decrease. This variant of FIG. 17 is not susceptible to this phenomenon.
• (Seventh Embodiment)[0201]
• An[0202]ultrasonic treatment instrument81B in accordance with the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 18 has anoutput adjustment mechanism131 partly different from theoutput adjustment mechanism111 employed in the sixth embodiment.
• An[0203]axis132 piercing the proximal end of themanipulation lever85 is fitted in a hole bored in thehousing91 and thus rotationally supported. Anangle detection device133 realized with, for example, a potentiometer is attached to the end of theaxis132 projecting into thehousing91.
• When the[0204]manipulation lever85 is turned, the potentiometer serving as theangle detection device133 and coupled to theaxis132 is rotated. Resistance varies proportionally to the angle of rotation.
• Moreover, a[0205]scale plate134 is attached on the perimeter of theaxis132 piercing the proximal end of themanipulation lever85. Apointer135 is attached to lever85. An angle of rotation by which theaxis132 is rotated by moving themanipulation lever85 is may be thus read from the scaleplate using pointer135.
• A spring[0206]136 is interposed between themanipulation lever85 and handleportion84. The spring136 constrains themanipulation lever85 to open. Theangle detection device133 outputs a resistance value or a voltage value, which is proportional to the angle of rotation by which themanipulation lever85 is turned, to acontrol circuit137.
• The[0207]control circuit137 sends a signal, of which level is proportional to an output value of theangle detection device133, to theGCA102 in thetransducer drive unit93. Thecontrol circuit137 includes thecomparator121ashown in FIG. 16. When themanipulation lever85 is turned a little towards thehandle portion84, if the output value of theangle detection device133 exceeds a small reference value, power to be supplied to thetransducer drive unit93 is controlled by turning on or off theswitch123.
• The[0208]secondary battery104 supplies operating power to thecontrol circuit137 and to thetransducer drive unit93 via theswitch123.
• The other components are identical to those of the sixth embodiment.[0209]
• The present embodiment exerts the same operations as the sixth embodiment. Specifically, when the[0210]manipulation lever85 is manipulated, theaxis132 is rotated by an angle substantially proportional to the magnitude of manipulating force. When the angle of rotation exceeds a reference value, thecontrol circuit137 turns on theswitch123 so that power will be supplied to thetransducer drive unit93. Thecontrol circuit137 outputs a gain control signal, of which level is proportional to the angle of rotation, to theGCA102, and thus controls the amplitude of a driving signal, which is used to drive theultrasonic transducer92, proportionally to the angle of rotation.
• Consequently, an amount of treatment energy output from the[0211]treatment section97 is set to a value nearly proportional to the magnitude of manipulating force with which themanipulation lever85 is manipulated.
• According to the present embodiment, the[0212]manipulation lever85 is manipulated with a finger of a hand holding the operatingunit83 of the ultrasonic treatment instrument81. An output from thedistal treatment section97 of theinsertion unit82 can be readily varied nearly proportionally to the manipulating force. Consequently, an operator can readily set the amount of treatment output energy to his/her desired value, and can quickly perform treatment for cure.
• Moreover, the amount of treatment output energy can be varied using a hand holding the operating unit. This is helpful in performing a delicate surgical procedure for precise treatment.[0213]
• Moreover, according to the present embodiment, an angle of rotation or a magnitude of manipulating force with which the[0214]manipulation lever85 is manipulated can be discerned from the reading of thescale plate134. The amount of treatment energy output from thetreatment section97 can be checked based on the angle of rotation or the magnitude of manipulating force. In short, according to the present embodiment, the variable amount of treatment output energy can be checked from the reading of thescale plate134 pointed out by thejut135.
• Even in the sixth embodiment, a scale may be formed in a longitudinal direction of the[0215]guide groove113 so that the position within theguide groove113 at which thepin112 piercing the proximal end of themanipulation lever85 is located can be discerned.
• Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the means for discerning the amount of treatment output energy using the[0216]scale plate134. Alternatively, an indicator formed with an LED or the like maybe used to electrically indicate the amount of treatment output energy. Otherwise, the value of an output (voltage, current, or power) actually applied to theultrasonic transducer92 may be electrically indicated.
• (Eighth Embodiment)[0217]
• Next, the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. A high-frequency treatment instrument in accordance with the present embodiment is different from that of the sixth embodiment in terms of an output adjustment mechanism.[0218]
• A high-[0219]frequency treatment instrument81C shown in FIG. 19 has anoutput adjustment mechanism141. Themanipulation lever85 has the proximal end thereof journaled so that the manipulation lever can pivot freely with an axis ofrotation142 as a center. Ahemisphere projection143 is formed near the proximal end of themanipulation lever85, and astrain detection device144 is embedded in the projection. Anelastic rubber insert145 having elasticity is located at a position in thehandle portion84 at which it is opposed to theprojection143. Theprojection143 is formed with an elastic member whose hardness is higher than that of theinsert145. Force applied to theprojection143 is conveyed to thestrain detection device144.
• When[0220]lever85 is manipulated, theprojection143 abuts againstinsert145 and presses it. An output proportional to the pressing force is then provided by thestrain detection device144 to acontrol circuit146. When theprojection143 hits insert145, it is deformed byprojection143. This permits thelever85 to pivot with the axis ofrotation142 as a center.
• When a signal from the[0221]strain detection device144 exceeds a reference level, thecontrol circuit146 turns on theswitch123. Also, thecontrol circuit146 controls a high-frequency treatmentinstrument drive unit147 according to an output signal proportional to the signal input from thestrain detection device144.
• The high-frequency treatment[0222]instrument drive unit147 consists of, for example, anoscillator147aand aGCA147bfor amplifying an oscillating output of theoscillator147a. Thecontrol circuit146 varies a gain, which is produced by theGCA147b, proportionally to the signal input from thestrain detection device144, and thus varies an amount of high-frequency treatment energy provided by distal treatment section viaelectrodes148aand148bconnected to theGCA147b.
• FIG. 20 shows the details of the[0223]strain detection device144. Thestrain detection device144 consists of, for example, threestrain gages149a,149b, and149cwhich constitute a bridge. Thestrain detection device144 outputs a signal, which represents a magnitude of strain proportional to the magnitude of pressing force with which themanipulation lever85 is pressed, to thecontrol circuit146.
• The other components are identical to those of the sixth embodiment.[0224]
• According to the present embodiment, high-frequency power generated by the high-frequency treatment[0225]instrument drive unit147 is propagated to the distal treatment section over theelectrodes148aand148b. The treatment section is used to perform treatment such as cautery using high-frequency energy.
• Even in the present embodiment, an amount of treatment output energy with which high-frequency treatment is carried out can be varied. The treatment output energy is generated by the high-frequency treatment[0226]instrument drive unit147 according to the manipulating force with which themanipulation lever85 is turned, and then propagated to the treatment section over theelectrodes148aand148b.
• The present embodiment has substantially the same advantages as the sixth embodiment or its variant.[0227]
• According to a variant of the present embodiment,[0228]strain detection device144 may be embedded in theelastic rubber insert145. In this variant, an output signal of thestrain detection device144 can readily be provided to thecontrol circuit146 without need for a signal line laid down in themanipulation lever85 that is movable. This results in a simpler configuration.
• (Ninth Embodiment)[0229]
• Next, the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22.[0230]
• As shown in FIG. 21, an[0231]ultrasonic treatment instrument81D consists mainly of aninsertion unit152 and anoperating unit153. Theoperating unit153 has ahandle portion154 and amanipulation lever155. On and Off switches156 are formed on the top of theoperation unit153. Anoutput adjustment switch151 made of a conducting rubber is located at an upper position on thehandle portion154.
• The[0232]output adjustment switch151 has basically the same structure as the elastic-conductingdevice126 shown in FIG. 17. When the elastic-conductingdevice126 is pressed, its electrical resistance varies depends on pressure applied by the thumb of the user. A control circuit168 (see FIG. 22) detects the resistance in the form of a voltage drop, and varies the amplitude of a transducer driving signal output from thetransducer drive unit93.
• According to the present embodiment, a[0233]distal treatment section157 of theinsertion unit152 consists of astationary jaw158aand amovable jaw158b. Themovable jaw158bis coupled to a pulley161 (see FIG. 22) by way of an operating wire159 (see FIG. 22) passed through theinsertion unit152. Thepulley161 is located near the proximal end of themanipulation lever155. When themanipulation lever155 is turned, themovable jaw158bpivots with a pin piercing the proximal end thereof as a center. Themovable jaw158bthus opens or closes relative to thestationary jaw158a.
• FIG. 22 shows the details of the[0234]manipulation lever155 and handleportion154. Agear160 and thepulley161 are located near the proximal end of themanipulation lever154 so that they can rotate freely with respect to an axis ofrotation162. Thegear160 is connected to amotor164 via agear163 engaged with thegear160. Themotor164 is attached to the axis of rotation of thegear163. Thegear163 rotates along with rotation of themotor164.
• Moreover, the back end of the[0235]operation wire159 is linked to thepulley161 freely rotational together with thegear160. When thepulley161 is rotated, themovable jaw158bopens or closes relative to thestationary jaw158a.
• A[0236]pressure sensor fixture165 is formed to surround the proximal part of themanipulation lever154. Thepressure sensor fixture165 is shaped substantially like letter U, and journaled in, as shown in FIG. 22, an axis ofrotation166 at the upper end of the pressure sensor fixture.Pressure sensors167aand167bsensitive to pressure are attached to the ends of fork portions of thepressure sensor fixture165. Thepressure sensors167aand167bcan come into contact with the side edges of themanipulation lever155.
• The[0237]secondary battery104 supplies power to acontrol circuit168 and thetransducer drive unit93 via the On and Off switches156.
• Outputs of the[0238]pressure sensors167aand167bare input to thecontrol circuit168 and used to control rotation of themotor164.
• To be more specific, when the[0239]pressure sensors167aand167bsense pressure, the pressure-sensitive outputs of the pressure sensors are input to thecontrol circuit168. Thecontrol circuit168 drives and rotates themotor164 as long as pressure-sensitive outputs are provided. When pressure is not sensed any longer, thecontrol circuit168 stops driving and rotating themotor164.
• In short, once the[0240]manipulation lever155 is manipulated, themanipulation lever155 is electrically driven using themotor164. Thus, themanipulation lever155 can be moved with small force. Eventually, themovable jaw158bcan be opened or closed relative to thestationary jaw158a.
• The[0241]control circuit168 inputs a signal stemming from a manipulation performed on theoutput adjustment switch151, and thus controls the transducer drive unit93 (gain to be produced by the GCA102) according to the manipulating force applied to theoutput adjustment switch151. Assume that power is supplied to thecontrol circuit168 or the like using theswitch156. When themanipulation lever155 is moved slightly in a direction permitting the movable jaw to close (counterclockwise in FIG. 22), the side edge of themanipulation lever155 presses thepressure sensor167a. Thepressure sensor167asenses the pressure and supplies an output to thecontrol circuit168. Thecontrol circuit168 then drives themotor164 to help turn themanipulation lever155 in the close direction via thegears163 and160. Theoperation wire159 is thrust forward, whereby the distalmovable jaw158bis driven to close.
• If the[0242]manipulation lever155 is moved in the open direction permitting the movable jaw to open (clockwise in FIG. 22), the side edge of themanipulation lever155 presses thepressure sensor167b. The pressure sensor167 senses the pressure and supplies an output to thecontrol circuit168. Thecontrol circuit168 in turn drives themotor164 to thus help turn themanipulation lever155 in the open direction via thegears163 and160. Moreover, theoperation wire159 is wound about thepulley161 and thus pulled backward, whereby the distalmovable jaw158bis driven to open.
• When the[0243]output adjustment switch151 is manipulated, a signal whose level is proportional to a magnitude of pressing force with which theoutput adjustment switch151 is pressed is input to thecontrol circuit168. Thecontrol circuit168 controls the transducer drive unit93 (a gain to be produced by the GCA102) according to the magnitude of pressing force.
• In the present embodiment, the[0244]manipulation lever155 can be manipulated in the open or close direction with small force. Moreover, themovable jaw158bof thedistal treatment section157 of theinsertion unit152 can be opened or closed with small force.
• To stop driving the[0245]motor164, themanipulation lever155 is moved to an intermediate position at which it contacts neither thepressure sensor158anor thepressure sensor158b.
• Moreover, the[0246]output adjustment switch151 may be used to vary an amount of ultrasonic treatment energy output from thetreatment section157. Thus, the present embodiment has the same advantages as the sixth embodiment.
• (Tenth Embodiment)[0247]
• Next, the tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 23. The tenth embodiment is identical to the ninth embodiment except that the[0248]movable jaw158bis normally open and can be closed with a small manipulating force.
• Ultrasonic treatment instrument[0249]81E shown in FIG. 23 is comprised of apressure sensor fixture165′ shaped like letter J, andmagnet171 is attached to themotor164 having thegear163. The shaft of the motor164 (on the side of the motor opposite to the side thereof on which thegear163 is located) is fitted in a guide groove172 so that the shaft can be freely moved in horizontal directions.
• An[0250]electromagnet173 is placed on themagnet171. Theelectromagnet173 is connected to thecontrol circuit168. When current is supplied to theelectromagnet173 under the control of thecontrol circuit168, magnetic force repulsing themagnet171 is generated. Consequently, themotor164 andgear163 can be moved towards thegear160 along the guide groove172.
• As long as no current is supplied to the[0251]electromagnet173, themagnet171 is, as shown in FIG. 23, attracted to theelectromagnet173. In this state, thegear163 is separated from thegear160.
• The other components are identical to those of the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 22.[0252]
• When the[0253]manipulation lever155 is moved a little in the close direction, the side edge of themanipulation lever155 presses onpressure sensor167a. An output of thepressure sensor167ais input to thecontrol circuit168. Electricity is conducted to theelectromagnet173. The resultant repulsion force causes themagnet171 andmotor164 to move along the guide groove172 towards thegear160. Consequently, thegears163 and160 are meshed with each other. Thegears163 and160 are rotated due to themotor164, whereby themanipulation lever155 is turned in the close direction.
• When the side edge of the[0254]manipulation lever155 does not press thepressure sensor167a, thepressure sensor167adoes not produce an output signal. Accordingly, thecontrol circuit168 that receives an output of thepressure sensor167astops supplying current to theelectromagnet173. Themagnet171 is therefore attracted to theelectromagnet173. Thegears160 and163 are separated from each other and themotor164 stops rotating.
• Moreover, when the[0255]output adjustment switch151 is manipulated, a signal whose level is proportional to the magnitude of the manipulating force with which theoutput adjustment switch151 is pressed is input to thecontrol circuit168. Thecontrol circuit168 in turn controls the transducer drive unit93 (a gain to be produced by the GCA102) according to the magnitude of pressing force.
• According to the present embodiment, almost the same advantage as that of the ninth embodiment is provided when the manipulation lever is moved in the close direction.[0256]
• (Eleventh Embodiment)[0257]
• Next, the eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 24. This embodiment has, in addition to the same components as the ninth embodiment, a limiter means for detecting a manipulation zone in which the[0258]manipulation lever155 can be manipulated. When the limiter means detects that themanipulation lever155 has been manipulated beyond the manipulation zone, themotor164 is stopped driving the manipulation lever.
• In other words, the ultrasonic treatment instrument[0259]81F shown in FIG. 24 is different from theultrasonic treatment instrument81D shown in FIG. 22 in that limit switches169aand169bfor detecting the limits of the manipulation zone are located outside thepressure sensors167aand167brespectively.
• Output signals of the[0260]limit switches169aand169bare input to thecontrol circuit168. In response to the signal outputs from thelimit switches169aand169b, thecontrol circuit168 gives control to stop rotation of themotor164.
• Specifically, a space between the[0261]limit switches169aand169bprovides a movable zone within which themanipulation lever155 is movable. As long as themanipulation lever155 is manipulated within the movable zone, thecontrol circuit168 gives the same control as that mentioned in conjunction with FIG. 22. Whenlever155 is moved beyond the movable zone, thecontrol circuit168 stops rotation of themotor164.
• The other components are identical to those of the[0262]ultrasonic treatment instrument81D shown in FIG. 22.
• If the[0263]manipulation lever155 is moved slightly in the close direction, the side edge of themanipulation lever155 presses onpressure sensor167a. An output of thepressure sensor167ais then input to thecontrol circuit168. Thecontrol circuit168 in turn drives themotor164 to help turn the manipulation lever in the close direction via thegears163 and160.
• When the manipulation lever is moved in the open direction opposite to the close direction, the side edge of the[0264]manipulation lever155 presses thepressure sensor167b. An output of thepressure sensor167bis input to thecontrol circuit168. Thecontrol circuit168 in turn drives themotor164 to help turn themanipulation lever155 in the close direction via thegears163 and160.
• The limit switches[0265]169aand169bare located outside thepressure sensor fixture165. When themanipulation lever155 is moved in the close direction, the fork portion of thepressure sensor fixture155 presses thelimit switch169a. Thelimit switch169asenses the pressure and sends a signal to thecontrol circuit168. Thecontrol circuit168 in turn stops rotation of themotor164.
• When the[0266]manipulation lever155 is moved in the open direction, the fork portion of thepressure sensor fixture165 presses thelimit switch169b. Thelimit switch169bthen senses the pressure and sends a signal to thecontrol circuit168. Thecontrol circuit168 in turn stops rotation of themotor164.
• Moreover, when the[0267]output adjustment switch151 is manipulated, a signal whose level is proportional to the magnitude of the force with which theoutput adjustment switch151 is pressed, is provided to thecontrol circuit168. Thecontrol circuit168 in turn controls the transducer drive unit93 (a gain to be produced by the GCA102) according to the magnitude of the force.
• According to the present embodiment, the same advantage as that of the ninth embodiment is provided when the[0268]manipulation lever155 is moved within the movable zone. When themanipulation lever155 is manipulated beyond the movable zone, it can be moved electrically. Thus, the manipulation lever can be prevented from being manipulated to an unnecessary extent.
• Next, a description will be made of embodiments of a surgical instrument of improved maneuverability in which manipulation of an operating lever or the like turns a power switch on or off.[0269]
• (Twelfth Embodiment)[0270]
• As shown in FIG. 25, an ultrasonic coagulation/[0271]incision instrument201 is comprised of aninsertion unit220, asheath230, and ahandpiece250. Theinsertion unit220 has atreatment section210. Thesheath230 is elongated and cylindrical, and serves as a protecting member for protecting theinsertion unit220. Thehandpiece250 includes a hand-heldoperating unit240. The proximal end of thesheath230 is coupled to theoperating unit240 so that the proximal end can be uncoupled freely. Anultrasonic transducer251 for generating ultrasonic waves, adrive circuit252 for driving theultrasonic transducer251, and asecondary battery253 are incorporated in thehandpiece250. Thebattery253 can be renewed and serves as a power source for supplying driving power to thedrive circuit252. The ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument201 is a battery-powered treatment instrument having the built-inbattery253 as a driving power source.
• As shown in FIG. 26, ultrasonic waves generated by the[0272]ultrasonic transducer251 in theoperation unit240 are propagated to adistal jaw211, which is shaped like a bar, over apropagation rod211a.
• The[0273]distal treatment section210 of theinsertion unit220 consists of thedistal jaw211 and amovable part212 adjoining thedistal jaw211. Themovable part212 cooperates with thedistal jaw211 in clamping or freeing a living tissue. The back end of themovable part212 is supported with adistal coupler213 so that themovable part212 can be opened or closed.
• As shown in FIG. 25, the distal end of the[0274]sheath230 opens as anopening230 having a substantially oval section. Thetreatment section210 of theinsertion unit220 projects from theopening230. Arotary knob231 is fixed as an integral part to the proximal end of the sheath230 (end of the operating unit240). Therotary knob231 is used to turn themovable part212 of thetreatment section210 with respect to the center axis of thedistal jaw211. Thesheath230 can be detached from thehandpiece250.
• The[0275]operating unit240 has an integralstationary handle255, and a movable manipulation handle256 movable toward or away from thestationary handle255. AU-shaped coupling arm257 is formed at the upper end of themovable manipulation handle256. The substantially center position in a vertical direction on thecoupling arm257 is fixed to theoperating unit240 using ahandle fulcrum pin257aso that thecoupling arm257 can pivot freely.
• A[0276]lock member258 piercing the upper end of thecoupling arm257 is inserted towards a center-axis direction through awindow259 bored in the side of theoperation unit240. Thelock member258 has alock claw258aprojected therefrom. Thelock claw258alocks adrive shaft221, which will be described later, included in theinsertion unit220 within theoperation unit240 so that thedrive shaft221 can be unlocked freely (see FIG. 26).
• As shown in FIG. 26, the[0277]propagation rod211aand thedrive shaft221 are passed through the portion of theinsertion unit220 shielded with thesheath230. Thepropagation rod211ahas a distal part thereof jutted out as thedistal jaw211 of thetreatment section210. Thedrive shaft221 conveys a clamping or freeing motion, which is made using themovable manipulation handle256, to themovable part212 of thetreatment section210.
• The proximal part of the[0278]propagation rod211ais unified with theultrasonic transducer251 within theoperation unit240. Ultrasonic waves generated by theultrasonic transducer251 are propagated to thedistal jaw211 over the propagation rod. Thus, thedistal jaw211 is used to ultrasonically treat a lesion in a body cavity.
• The[0279]drive shaft221 is an operating member for conveying a clamping or releasing instruction sent from the movable manipulation handle256 to themovable part212. Themovable part212 is journaled in the distal end of thedrive shaft221 using apin213athrust into thedistal coupler213. The back end of thedrive shaft221 is passed through theoperating unit240 and coupled to themovable manipulation handle256.
• When the movable manipulation handle[0280]256 is moved towards thestationary handle255, thedrive shaft221 withdraws and themovable part212 moves towards thedistal jaw211. At this time, as the movable manipulation handle256 is moved in order to close themovable part212, themovable part212 is turned to close and meet the distal part of thedistal jaw211. Themovable part212 anddistal jaw211 cooperate with each other in clamping a living tissue such as a blood vessel in a human body. In this state, when theultrasonic transducer251 is driven, the living tissue clamped by thedistal jaw211 andmovable part212 can be treated ultrasonically.
• According to the present embodiment, a switch is formed on a side edge of the[0281]stationary handle255. When the movable manipulation handle256 is opened or closed relative to thestationary handle255, the switch is turned on or off. Power is supplied from thebattery253 to thedrive circuit252 for driving theultrasonic transducer251 to propagate of ultrasonic waves from theultrasonic transducer251 to thedistal jaw211.
• A driving[0282]switch261 electrically connected to thedrive circuit252 and turned on or off by opening or closing the movable manipulation handle256 is formed on the side edge of thestationary handle255. Alternatively, a drivingswitch261 to be turned on or off by opening or closing the movable manipulation handle256 may be formed on the side edge of themovable manipulation handle256.
• The[0283]drive circuit252 is electrically connected to thebattery253 andultrasonic transducer251. Thedrive circuit252 consists mainly of an oscillator circuit (not shown) for receiving power from thebattery253 and generating a high-frequency signal, and an amplification circuit (not shown) for amplifying in power the high-frequency signal sent from the oscillator circuit and outputting a driving signal. Thedrive circuit252 supplies the driving signal output from the amplification circuit to theultrasonic transducer251 to drive theultrasonic transducer251.
• The[0284]distal jaw211 andmovable part212 of thetreatment section210 are caused to clamp a living tissue by opening or closing themovable manipulation handle256. The movable manipulation handle256 turns on the drivingswitch261 nearly at the same time. Power is then supplied from thebattery253 to thedrive circuit252, whereby theultrasonic transducer251 is driven. Ultrasonic waves generated by theultrasonic transducer251 are then propagated to thedistal jaw211, which is the distal part of thepropagation rod211a, over thepropagation rod211. Consequently, the living tissue is coagulated or incised.
• When the movable manipulation handle[0285]256 of theoperation unit240 is opened or closed, the driving switch216 is turned on or off responsively. Treatment can therefore be performed only when needed. Besides, the maneuverability of the treatment instrument improves.
• As shown in FIG. 27, in addition to the driving switch[0286]216, asecond switch262 may be formed on theoperation unit240. After thesecond switch262 is manually turned on, the movable manipulation handle256 may be moved to turn on the drivingswitch261. Thus, when a living tissue must merely be clamped with thedistal jaw211 andmovable part212, even if the movable manipulation handle256 is opened or closed to turn on the drivingswitch261, neither ultrasonic coagulation nor incision will be carried out.
• The present invention will not be limited to this mode. Alternatively, a switch may be formed on an operating unit of an electric cautery or the like for exerting the operation of incision or coagulation for a living tissue using high-frequency heat energy. The operating unit may be manipulated in order to turn on or off the switch.[0287]
• Moreover, according to the present embodiment, the treatment instrument is of a battery-powered type that uses a battery as a driving power source to perform various kinds of treatment on a living tissue. The present invention is not limited to this type of treatment instrument. The present invention can also be applied to a treatment instrument in which driving power or a driving signal or the like used to drive the[0288]ultrasonic transducer251 may be supplied from an external main unit in order to carry out various kinds of treatment. In this case, after a switch formed on, for example, the external main unit is turned on, the movable manipulation handle256 may be opened or closed to thus turn on or off the drivingswitch261.
• (Thirteenth Embodiment)[0289]
• Next, the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 28.[0290]
• According to the twelfth embodiment, one[0291]battery253 is used as a driving power source for supplying driving power to an ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument. Power supply from thebattery253 to thedrive circuit252 for driving theultrasonic transducer251 is controlled in order to supply ultrasonic waves from theultrasonic transducer251 to thedistal jaw211. In contrast, according to the thirteenth embodiment, at least two replaceable batteries are used as the driving power source to supply power to thedrive circuit252. The other components are identical to those shown in FIG. 26. The description of the components will therefore be omitted. The same reference numerals will be assigned to the identical components.
• As shown in FIG. 28, two[0292]batteries271 and272 havinglids271aand272a, being connected to thedrive circuit252, and capable of being replaced with new ones are incorporated in theoperation unit240 of an ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument. Thebattery271 is placed with a positive electrode thereof located on the left side and a negative electrode thereof located on the right side. Thebattery272 is placed with a negative electrode thereof located on the left side and a positive electrode thereof located on the right side. Thebatteries271 and272 are thus connected in parallel with each other.
• Consequently, even when one of the two[0293]batteries271 and272, for example, thebattery271 is removed, driving power can be supplied from thebattery272 to thedrive circuit252.
• According to the present embodiment, two batteries that can be removed and renewed are used as a driving power source to supply power to the[0294]drive circuit252. Three or more batteries that can be removed and renewed may be used to supply power to thedrive circuit252.
• (Fourteenth Embodiment)[0295]
• Next, the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 29.[0296]
• According to the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments, the ultrasonic coagulation/[0297]incision instrument201 is used to ultrasonically coagulate or incise a living tissue. According to the present embodiment, a bipolar coagulator is used to coagulate a living tissue with high-frequency energy.
• As shown in FIG. 29, a bipolar coagulator[0298]290 is comprised of atreatment section291, a hand-heldportion292, and ahandpiece295. Thetreatment section291 is used to treat a living tissue. The hand-heldportion292 is located at the proximal end of thetreatment section291 and is a hand-held operating unit by which to manipulate thetreatment section291. A high-frequency output circuit293 for providing high-frequency energy, and abattery294 serving as a driving power source for driving the high-frequency output circuit293 and capable of being renewed are incorporated in thehandpiece295. The bipolar coagulator290 is a battery-powered treatment instrument having the built-inbattery294 as the driving power source.
• A driving[0299]switch296 to be turned on or off by holding the hand-heldportion292 is formed on one side surface of one of two sections of the hand-heldportion292. The hand-heldportion292 is held for clamping a living tissue with thetreatment section291. When the drivingswitch296 is thus turned on, power is supplied from thebattery294 to the high-frequency output circuit293. This causes high-frequency energy, which is used for coagulation, to develop at thetreatment section291. The clamped living tissue is then coagulated with the high-frequency energy.
• When the hand-held[0300]portion292 is held, the drivingswitch296 is turned on or off responsively. Coagulation is therefore carried out only when needed. Besides, the maneuverability of the treatment instrument improves.
• Similarly to the ultrasonic coagulation/[0301]incision instrument201 described in conjunction with FIG. 27, in addition to the drivingswitch296, a second switch (not shown) may be formed on thehandpiece295. After the second switch is manually turned on, the hand-heldportion292 may be held to thus turn on the driving switch. In this case, when a living tissue must merely be clamped with thetreatment section291, even if the hand-heldportion292 is held to thus turn on the drivingswitch296, coagulation will not be carried out.
• Similarly to the ultrasonic coagulation/incision instrument described in conjunction with FIG. 28, at least two batteries capable of being removed may be used as a driving power source to supply power to the high-[0302]frequency output circuit293.
• According to the present embodiment, the treatment instrument is of a battery-powered type for performing various kinds of treatment on a living tissue using a battery as a driving power source. The present invention is not limited to this type of treatment instrument. The present invention can also be applied to a treatment instrument in which driving power used to drive the high-[0303]frequency output circuit293 is supplied from an external main unit in order to carry out various kinds of treatment. In this case, for example, after a switch on the external main unit is turned on, the hand-heldportion292 may be held to thus turn on or off the drivingswitch296.
• Next, a description will be made of a surgical instrument in which an amount of output treatment energy used for treatment is controlled based on a magnitude of holding force with which a hand-held portion is held.[0304]
• (Fifteenth Embodiment)[0305]
• As shown in FIG. 30, a battery-powered ultrasonic coagulation/[0306]incision instrument301 in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment consists mainly of aninsertion unit302 and anoperation unit305. Theinsertion unit302 is inserted into a body cavity. Theoperation unit305 is formed at the proximal end of theinsertion unit302 and composed of astationary handle303 and amovable handle304.
• A[0307]cylinder306 is placed along an axis of insertion as a proximal part of theoperation unit305. Asecondary battery307, adrive circuit308, and anultrasonic transducer309 are incorporated in thecylinder306. Energy to be output from thedrive circuit308 is supplied from thebattery307.
• A[0308]treatment section310 is formed at the distal end of theinsertion unit302, and is comprised of aprobe311 and amovable part312. Adrive shaft313 over which a manipulation performed on themovable handle304 is conveyed to themovable part312 extends through theinsertion unit302. Ahandle305 is rotatably mounted on apin315 extending throughstationary handle303.
• The[0309]stationary handle303 has aforce detection unit314 for detecting the magnitude of a force to be propagated to thedrive shaft313. One suitableforce detection unit314 is realized with an electrical capacitance force detector in which the capacitance is a function of the distance between electrodes thereof. Alternatively, a strain gage formed using a piezoelectric element or the like may be used.
• As shown in FIG. 31, the[0310]drive circuit308 consists of asignal detection unit319, adrive unit320, acontrol circuit321, and abuzzer322. Thesignal detection unit319 detects a signal representing the magnitude of the force detected by theforce detection unit314. Thedrive unit320 drives theultrasonic transducer309. Thecontrol circuit321 controls thedrive unit320 according to the signal sent from thesignal detection unit319.
• The[0311]control circuit321 provides a sound signal to thebuzzer322 according to an amount of energy to be provided to thedrive unit320. Thebuzzer322 produces sound whose level is proportional to the voltage level of an output of thedrive unit320 controlled by thecontrol circuit321.
• The frequency of the signal provided to[0312]buzzer322 may also vary depending on the amount of output energy. FIG. 32 shows a suitable relationship between the amount of energy output from thecontrol circuit321 to thedrive unit320 and the frequency of sound output from thebuzzer322.
• An operator perceives a change in the frequency of sound output from the[0313]buzzer322 with his/her ears, and thus recognizes a change in the amount of output energy.
• Next, a description will be made of operations to be exerted by the battery-powered ultrasonic coagulation/[0314]incision instrument301 in accordance with the present embodiment.
• When the battery-powered ultrasonic coagulation/[0315]incision instrument301 is used to coagulate or incise a living tissue, the living tissue is clamped with theprobe311 andmovable part312 of thetreatment section310 by manipulating themovable handle304. Theforce detection unit314 detects the magnitude of clamping force. An output signal of theforce detection unit314 is transmitted to thedrive circuit308. Thedrive circuit308 allows thecontrol circuit321 to control thedrive unit320. Consequently, theultrasonic transducer309 is driven with output energy whose amount depends on the output signal of theforce detection unit314.
• The relationship between a magnitude of force detected by the[0316]force detection unit314 and the amount of energy output from thedrive circuit308 will be described below.
• Assume that a magnitude of force (no-load force) with which the[0317]operating unit305 is moved with nothing clamped is FO(N), and a maximum magnitude of force exerted when theoperating unit305 is gripped is Fmax(N) (constant). When theoperation unit305 is gripped with the maximum magnitude of force, a maximum set amount of energy output from thedrive circuit308 shall be Pmax(W) (constant). Assuming that a magnitude of force detected by theforce detection unit314 when a living tissue is clamped by manipulating theoperation unit305 is F(N), an amount of energy output from thedrive circuit308, P(W), is expressed as follows:
• P=Pmax×(F−F0)/(Fmax−FO)
• The[0318]ultrasonic transducer309 is driven with the amount of output energy P(W).
• In the battery-powered ultrasonic coagulation/[0319]incision instrument301 of the present embodiment, theforce detection unit314 detects a magnitude of force exerted for manipulating theoperation unit305 to clamp a tissue. Thecontrol circuit321 in thedrive circuit308 controls thedrive unit320. Theultrasonic transducer309 is driven with output energy whose amount depends on an output signal of theforce detection unit314. By manipulating theoperation unit305, a proper amount of output energy can be applied to a tissue from theultrasonic transducer309. This obviates the necessity of determining the amount of energy output from theultrasonic transducer309 while manipulating theoperation unit305. The maneuverability of the instrument can thus be improved readily and easily.
• [0320]Body portion306 need not be cylindrical. Instead, it may generally box-shaped as shown on FIG. 33. Anindicator331 composed of LEDs may be formed on the top of thebody306. An amount of energy output from thedrive circuit308 and dependent on a magnitude of force detected by theforce detection unit314 may thus be indicated in the form of a bar. This helps an operator discern an amount of energy indicated with the indicator while performing surgery.
• The[0321]indicator331 indicates a ratio of output power to maximum output power (for example, a maximum output is 300 W) as an amount of energy in the form of a bar. Otherwise, theindicator331 indicates a ratio of the amplitude of ultrasonic waves to a maximum amplitude in the form of a bar.
• Instead of the[0322]indicator331, adisplay unit332 composed of numerical indication LEDs may be provided as shown in FIG. 34, formed on the top of thebody306. In this case, an amount of energy output from thedrive circuit308 according to a magnitude of force detected by theforce detection unit314 is indicated numerically.
• Even in this case, an operator can discern an amount of energy displayed on the[0323]display unit332 while performing surgery. Using thedisplay unit332, output power (in the unit of the watt, for example, a maximum output is 300 W) or the amplitude of ultrasonic waves (a ratio % of the amplitude to a A maximum amplitude) is indicated in the form of a numerical value.
• (Sixteenth Embodiment)[0324]
• FIG. 35 shows a battery-powered ultrasonic coagulation/[0325]incision instrument301 in accordance with the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.
• This embodiment differs from the fifteenth embodiment only in that instead of the[0326]force detection unit314, atorque sensor341 is, as shown in FIG. 35, embedded in theaxis315. Torque applied to theaxis315 is measured.
• The[0327]torque sensor341 is formed with a strain gage. An output signal of thetorque sensor341 is transmitted as a magnitude of holding force, with which themovable handle304 is held, to thedrive circuit308.
• The[0328]movable handle305 is manipulated to clamp a tissue with theprobe311 andmovable part312 of thetreatment section310. Thetorque sensor341 detects the magnitude of holding force. An output signal fromtorque sensor341 is transmitted to thedrive circuit308. Thedrive circuit308 drives theultrasonic transducer309 with output energy whose amount depends on the output signal.
• Next, a surgical instrument having a means for notifying an operator of a driven state of a treatment section will be described below.[0329]
• (Seventeenth Embodiment)[0330]
• As shown in FIG. 36, a[0331]surgical instrument401 in accordance with the seventeenth embodiment is comprised of aninsertion unit403 and a hand-heldportion404. Theinsertion unit403 has aknife section402, which is a treatment section for incising a tissue, as a distal part thereof. The hand-heldportion404 is located at the proximal end of theinsertion unit403. Atransducer405 for causing theknife section402 to vibrate, adrive circuit406 for driving thetransducer405, and abattery unit407 extending from the top of the hand-heldportion404 for supplying power to thedrive circuit406 are incorporated in the hand-heldportion404.
• The[0332]battery unit407 consists of abattery411 formed with a secondary battery utilizing high polymer and serving as a power supplying means, and a light emitter (or LED)412 serving as a drive acknowledging means. To operate the device shown in FIG. 37, the top of thelight emitter412 is pushed down to the hand-heldportion404. This causes thebattery411 to supply power to thelight emitter412 and drivecircuit406. Thelight emitter412 is then lit. Thedrive circuit406 drives thetransducer405. Vibrations generated by thetransducer405 are then propagated to theknife section402.
• To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 38A, a[0333]contact422 electrically connected, for example, to a positive electrode of thedrive circuit406, is formed on the inner bottom of acylindrical screw section421 of the outer surface of the hand-heldportion404. As illustrated, afirst spring423 made of, for example, copper and conducting electricity to the periphery of the lower surface of thebattery411, constrains thebattery411 to move upward. Thefirst spring423 is connected to the negative electrode of thedrive circuit406, though it is not shown.
• The light emitter such as a[0334]miniature bulb412, is located abovebattery411 and is linked to the top of thebattery411 by asecond spring425. Atransparent cap424 is screwed to thescrew section421. Thesecond spring425 is made of, for example, copper and conducts electricity to the periphery of the top of the battery. The negative electrode of thelight emitter412 that is the side thereof conducts electricity to thesecond spring425.
• The centers of the upper and lower surfaces of the[0335]battery411 serve as the positive electrode of thebattery411, and the peripheries thereof serve as the negative electrode thereof. The positive and negative electrodes are electrically isolated from each other. When the constraining forces exerted from thefirst spring423 andsecond spring425 are working, the center of the lower surface of thebattery411 serving as the positive electrode is, as shown in FIG. 38, not meeting thecontact422. Similarly, the center of the upper surface of thebattery411 serving as the positive electrode is not meeting the lower end of thelight emitter412 serving as the positive electrode thereof. In this state, therefore, thelight emitter412 is not lit and thedrive unit406 is not actuated.
• When the top of the[0336]transparent cap424 is pushed down, the constraining forces exerted from the first andsecond springs423 and425 are overpowered. The center of the lower surface of thebattery411 serving as the positive electrode meets thecontact422. Likewise, the center of the upper surface of thebattery411 serving as the positive electrode meets the positive electrode of thelight emitter412. In this state, therefore, thelight emitter412 is lit and thedrive circuit406 is actuated.
• When the[0337]transparent cap424 is, as shown in FIG. 39, disengaged from thescrew section421, thebattery411 can be renewed.
• As mentioned above, according to the present embodiment, when the[0338]surgical instrument401 having thedrive circuit406 driven is in operation, thelight emitter412 that is a drive acknowledgment device lights up. An operator can acknowledge that thesurgical instrument401 is in operation. When the operation of thesurgical instrument401 is stopped, thelight emitter412 is put out. The operator can therefore acknowledge that thesurgical instrument401 has stopped operating.
• (Eighteenth Embodiment)[0339]
• FIG. 40 shows a portion of a surgical instrument in accordance with an eighteenth embodiment.[0340]
• This embodiment is nearly identical to the seventeenth embodiment, differing only in that a hand-held[0341]portion404 ofsurgical instrument401ahas aswitch431 with a built-inbattery411 and a light-emitting diode (LED)432 instead of thebattery unit407. Theswitch431 has acontact434. An elastic isolatingmember433 is interposed between thecontact434 and the center of thebattery411 serving as the positive electrode thereof. Thecontact434 is electrically connected to thedrive circuit406 and the negative electrode of theLED432, thought it is not shown.
• The center of the lower surface of the[0342]battery411 serving as the positive electrode thereof is electrically connected to thedrive circuit406 and the positive electrode of theLED432. Thecontact434 is normally not in contact with the periphery of thebattery411 serving as the negative electrode thereof due to elastic force exerted from the elastic isolatingmember433. Thecontact434 is therefore normally electrically floating.
• When compressing force is applied from the top[0343]435 of theswitch431 to the elastic isolatingmember433, thecontact434 meets the negative electrode of thebattery411. Consequently, power is supplied to theLED432 and drivecircuit406. When thedrive circuit406 is actuated, theLED432 is lit responsively.
• (Nineteenth Embodiment)[0344]
• FIG. 41 shows a surgical instrument in accordance with a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.[0345]
• As shown in FIG. 41, a[0346]surgical instrument401bof the present embodiment is comprised of aninsertion unit442 and a hand-heldportion443. Theinsertion unit442 is inserted into a body cavity and has atreatment section441 formed at the distal end thereof. The hand-heldportion443 is formed at the proximal end of theinsertion unit442. Anoscillator444 for supplying energy to thetreatment section441, amotor446 for rotating aneccentric weight445 so as to vibrate the hand-heldportion443, and abattery447 for supplying power to themotor446 andoscillator444 are incorporated in the hand-heldportion443.
• The output of[0347]oscillator444 is determined by the resistance of avariable resistor449, the resistance of which depends on a displacement in a turning direction of ahandle448 mounted on the hand-heldportion443. Moreover, when thehandle448 is turned towards the distal part of thesurgical instrument401bopposite to the hand-heldportion443, thevariable resistor449 becomes nonconducting. This disables power supply from thebattery447 to themotor446 andoscillator444.
• As mentioned above, according to the present embodiment, an output of the[0348]treatment section444 is determined with a displacement made by thehandle448, The hand-heldportion444 is vibrated using themotor446 according to the output of thetreatment section444. An operator can therefore recognize the output of thetreatment section444.
• Surgical apparatuses and surgical instruments in accordance with the present invention are not limited to the aforesaid embodiments. A variety of modifications can be made based on the gist of the present invention.[0349]

Claims (10)

What is claimed:

1. An ultrasonic treatment instrument, comprising:

an ultrasonic transducer which generates ultrasonic waves and a drive circuit therefor;

a battery to supply energy, including to the drive circuit;

a housing incorporating the ultrasonic transducer, the battery and the drive circuit;

a probe having a distal end protruding from the housing and a part that is coupled with the ultrasonic transducer so that the ultrasonic waves are propagated by the probe outside the housing;

a movable member operable by an operator; and

a sensor circuit which detects movement of the movable member, and

wherein the drive circuit is structured to drive the ultrasonic transducer responsive to an output signal of the sensor circuit.

2. An ultrasonic treatment instrument according toclaim 1,

wherein the sensor circuit is composed of a switch which is actuated by the movement of the movable member.

3. An ultrasonic treatment instrument according toclaim 2, further comprising a second switch for supplying energy from the battery to the drive circuit.

4. An ultrasonic treatment instrument according toclaim 1, wherein the sensor circuit is configured to detect the magnitude of a clamping force generated by the movable member, and to transmit an output signal corresponding to the clamping force to the drive circuit.

5. An ultrasonic treatment instrument according toclaim 1,

wherein the sensor circuit is configured to detect the magnitude of a torque developed by the movable member, and to transmit an output signal corresponding to the torque to the drive circuit.

6. The ultrasonic treatment instrument ofclaim 5, wherein the sensor circuit comprises a torque sensor embedded within an axis of rotation associated with the movable member.

7. The ultrasonic treatment instrument ofclaim 6, in which the torque sensor comprises a strain gage.

8. The ultrasonic treatment instrument ofclaim 1, in which the sensor circuit comprises an electrical capacitance force detector.

9. The ultrasonic treatment instrument ofclaim 1, in which the sensor circuit comprises a piezoelectric element.

10. An ultrasonic treatment instrument, comprising:

an ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic waves and a drive circuit therefor;

a probe coupled to the ultrasonic transducer and having a portion which is positioned adjacent a movable part;

a movable member which is operable to move the movable part; and

a sensor circuit which detects movement of the movable member and which provides an output to the drive circuit of the ultrasonic transducer.

Images