18243311. PRELOADED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INTERFACE simplified abstract (Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.)

PRELOADED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INTERFACE

Organization Name

Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Thomas G. Cooper of Menlo Park CA (US)

Anthony K. Mcgrogan of San Jose CA (US)

Robert E. Holop of Santa Clara CA (US)

Todd R. Solomon of San Jose CA (US)

Eugene F. Duval of Menlo Park CA (US)

Kent M. Anderson of Mountain View CA (US)

PRELOADED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INTERFACE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18243311 titled 'PRELOADED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INTERFACE

Simplified Explanation

The surgical system described in the patent application focuses on minimizing backlash in the transmission of controlled torque and position to a surgical instrument. The system includes a surgical instrument manipulator assembly with a mechanical interface that has low backlash, less than 0.7 degrees, to ensure precise control during surgical procedures.

• The surgical system includes a surgical instrument manipulator assembly with a mechanical interface that has low backlash, less than 0.7 degrees.
• The mechanical interface ensures zero backlash for torque levels used in surgical procedures.
• Backlash is controlled in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly to prevent adverse effects on torque and position transmission to the surgical instrument.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in various surgical procedures where precise control and minimal backlash are essential, such as minimally invasive surgeries, robotic surgeries, and microsurgical procedures.

Problems Solved

1. Minimizing backlash in the transmission of controlled torque and position to surgical instruments. 2. Ensuring precise control and accuracy during surgical procedures.

Benefits

1. Improved surgical outcomes due to precise control and reduced backlash. 2. Enhanced safety for patients by minimizing errors in surgical instrument manipulation.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could be utilized by medical device companies to develop advanced surgical systems for hospitals and surgical centers. It could also be integrated into robotic surgical platforms to enhance their performance and accuracy.

Possible Prior Art

Prior art may include surgical systems with mechanical interfaces designed to minimize backlash in torque and position transmission to surgical instruments. However, the specific implementation of zero backlash in the mechanical interface for surgical procedures may be a novel aspect of this technology.

Unanswered Questions

How does the surgical system handle different types of surgical instruments with varying torque requirements?

The patent application does not provide specific details on how the system accommodates different surgical instruments with unique torque needs. Further information on the adaptability of the system to various instruments would be beneficial.

What maintenance or calibration procedures are required for the surgical system to ensure consistent performance over time?

The patent application does not address the long-term maintenance or calibration requirements of the surgical system. Understanding the necessary upkeep for optimal performance would be crucial for potential users of the technology.

Original Abstract Submitted

A surgical system includes a surgical instrument that is sensitive to backlash that would adversely affect the transmission of controlled torque and position to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is coupled to motors in a surgical instrument manipulator assembly via a mechanical interface. The combination of the mechanical interface and surgical instrument manipulator assembly have low backlash, e.g., less than 0.7 degrees. The backlash is controlled in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly. From the drive output disk in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly to the driven disk of the surgical instrument, the mechanical interface has zero backlash for torque levels used in surgical procedures.