Robotic arm DLUs for performing surgical tasks

Abstract

Disposable loading units (DLUs) configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task are presented. Each DLU includes an attachment platform having at least one connector for engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for connecting the DLU to the robotic arm, a head portion connected to the attachment platform at one end and configured for housing an electro-mechanical actuation assembly therein, and at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electro-mechanical actuation assembly for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member. The at least one surgical tool member may include a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A robotic system for performing surgical tasks comprising: 
 a) a robotic arm defining a longitudinal axis;    b) an actuation assembly operatively associated with the robotic arm for controlling the operation and movement of the robotic arm; and,    c) an electro-mechanical device mounted to the robotic arm, the electro-mechanical device including at least one surgical tool member and control means operatively associated with the actuation assembly and the at least one surgical tool member for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member.    
     
     
         2 . A robotic system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the control means includes a processor and a receiver for receiving electrical signals transmitted from the actuation assembly to control the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member.  
     
     
         3 . A robotic system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the electro-mechanical device is electro-mechanically coupled to the robotic arm for electrically operating the electro-mechanical device and for articulating the electro-mechanical device with respect to the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         4 . A robotic system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the electro-mechanical device is releasably mounted to the robotic arm.  
     
     
         5 . A robotic system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one surgical tool member is selected from a group consisting of a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a fastener applying assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.  
     
     
         6 . A robotic system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the electro-mechanical device includes at least one connector for connecting the electro-mechanical device to the robotic arm.  
     
     
         7 . A robotic system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the at least one connector is electrically associated with the robotic arm for providing electrical energy to the control means from the actuation assembly.  
     
     
         8 . A robotic system for performing surgical tasks comprising: 
 a) means for communicating commands in the form of electrical signals from a processor within an actuation assembly to an electro-mechanical device having at least one surgical tool member and configured for mounting at a distal end of a robotic arm; and    b) control means within the electro-mechanical device and operatively associated with the communicating means for receiving the electrical signals for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member according to the electrical signals.    
     
     
         9 . A robotic system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one surgical tool member is selected from a group consisting of a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.  
     
     
         10 . A robotic system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the electro-mechanical device is removably associated with the robotic arm.  
     
     
         11 . A robotic system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one surgical tool member is configured for endoscopic surgical tasks.  
     
     
         12 . A robotic system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one surgical tool member is configured for laparoscopic surgical tasks.  
     
     
         13 . A disposable loading unit configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task, the disposable loading unit comprising: 
 a) an attachment platform having at least one connector for releasably engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for attaching the disposable loading unit to the robotic arm;    b) a head portion connected to the attachment platform and configured for housing an electro-mechanical assembly therein; and    c) at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electro-mechanical assembly for performing the at least one surgical task.    
     
     
         14 . A disposable loading unit as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the at least one surgical tool member is selected from a group consisting of a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.  
     
     
         15 . A disposable loading unit robotic system as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the attachment platform includes means for electrically connecting the DLU with the robotic arm.  
     
     
         16 . A disposable loading unit as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the at least one surgical tool member is configured for endoscopic surgical tasks.  
     
     
         17 . A disposable loading unit as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the at least one surgical tool member is configured for laparoscopic surgical tasks.  
     
     
         18 . A disposable loading unit as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the head portion is electro-mechanically coupled to the robotic arm for electrically operating the electro-mechanical assembly and for articulating the head portion with respect to a longitudinal axis of the robotic arm.  
     
     
         19 . A kit for use with a robotic system adapted to perform surgical procedures, the robotic system characterized by having a robotic arm, and an actuation assembly operatively associated with the robotic arm for controlling the operation and movement of the robotic arm, the kit comprising: 
 at least two disposable loading units, each disposable loading unit being adapted for releasable mounting to the robotic arm, each disposable loading unit including at least one surgical tool member for performing a surgical procedure and control means operatively connectable with the actuation assembly for controlling the operation and movement of the one surgical tool member.    
     
     
         20 . A kit as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the one surgical tool member is selected from a group consisting of a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.