CA2065987A1 - Surgical instrument - Google Patents
Surgical instrumentInfo
- Publication number
- CA2065987A1 CA2065987A1 CA 2065987 CA2065987A CA2065987A1 CA 2065987 A1 CA2065987 A1 CA 2065987A1 CA 2065987 CA2065987 CA 2065987 CA 2065987 A CA2065987 A CA 2065987A CA 2065987 A1 CA2065987 A1 CA 2065987A1
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- Prior art keywords
- forceps
- surgical instrument
- limb
- recess
- limbs
- Prior art date
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- Endoscopes (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A surgical instrument, in particular for endoscopy, having closable jaws has jaw parts such as forceps or scissor limbs which are fixed on a pull element, at least one jaw part forms an axis of rota-tion with the pull element and is arranged rotatably about this axis of rotation; the pull element passes through a shank tube; a recess is formed in at least one jaw part, the center point of which rotates about a pivot on the pull element, the recess at least partially surrounds, in the use position, an annular piece provided in the wall of the shank tube and the jaw part rotates about this annular piece during its closing or opening movement.
A surgical instrument, in particular for endoscopy, having closable jaws has jaw parts such as forceps or scissor limbs which are fixed on a pull element, at least one jaw part forms an axis of rota-tion with the pull element and is arranged rotatably about this axis of rotation; the pull element passes through a shank tube; a recess is formed in at least one jaw part, the center point of which rotates about a pivot on the pull element, the recess at least partially surrounds, in the use position, an annular piece provided in the wall of the shank tube and the jaw part rotates about this annular piece during its closing or opening movement.
Description
2~5~987 Surgical instrument The invention relates to a surgical instrument, in particular for endoscopy, having closable jaws comprising ~aw parts such as forceps or scissor limb9 which are fixed on a pull element, at least one jaw part forming an axis of rotation with the pull element and being arranged rotatably about this axis of rotation and the pull element passing at least partially through a shank tube.
Surgical instruments of this kind are known in the form of forceps, scissors, clamps or the like in numerous embodiments and are used for a very wide variety of purposes. In general, they comprise two jaw parts which are moved relative to one another, clamping, cutting or shearing then being effected.
Reference is made purely by way of example to German Offenlegungsschrift 3,921,935, which discloses endoscopy forceps. Here, the forceps limbs are connected to one another via a pivot pin. Coupled to the forceps limbs on the other side of this pivot pin is a pull cable, a pull rod or the like. Connected to the pull cable is a guiding element which has at least one guiding channel in which there engages a lever extension which is formed on a forceps limb on the far side of the pivot pin or of a pivot. If a pull is exerted on this guiding element, the ~aws formed by the forceps limbs close or open.
A particular disadvantage of these hitherto known 2 ~
forceps is the fact that they can be disassembled, cleaned and sterilized after use only with considerable trouble. Assembly in turn also requires a large amount of time and is associated with touching the parts, which are per se to be kept sterile.
In addition, in the case of many surgical instru-ments of this kind, the mechanism leaves much to be desired, especially as regards the transmission of force to the jaw parts.
German Utility Models 87 12 328.2 and aa 14 560.3 furthermore disclose endoscopy forceps in which -the jaw parts form an axis of rotation with the pull element.
These jaw parts are guided in corresponding wall openings in the shank tube, but this is very imprecise. The transmission of force for opening and closing the jaws also leaves much to be desired. In addition, the upper sleeve has to be unscrewed from the spiral for the purpose of cleaning.
The underlying object of the present invention is to provide as perfect a mechanism as possible in combination with optimum transmission of force to the jaw parts, with disassembly of the surgical instrument at the same time being extremely easy and taking little time.
Leading to the achievement of this object is the fact that formed in at least one jaw part from outside is a recess, the center point of which ro~ates about the axis of rotation on the pull element, the recess at least partially surrounding, in the use position, an annular piece provided in the wall of the shank tube and the jaw part rotating about this annular piece during its closing or opening movement.
The interplay between the annular piece in the shank tube and the recess is particularl~ important. As soon as the pull element moves in the shank tube, this axial motion is converted into a rotary motion of the jaw part or parts by the recess sliding around the annular piece. Thus at least parts of the recess always slide along the walls of the annular piece.
To ensure that movement of the jaw part to one side is not the only possibility, the recess should be of approximately semicircular design. In the event of a pull on the pull element, the jaw part is as a result closed, while, in the opposite direction, the jaw part is opened.
To ensure a good interplay between the annular piece and the recess, the radius of the recess should be only slightly larger than the radius of the annular piece. ~hus, in the use position, both the center point of the recess and the center point of the annular piece are close together, giving maximum surface contact bet~een the annular piece and the recess. This improves the guidance of the jaw part.
In one illustrative embodiment of the invention, one jaw part can be designed as a fixed part, while the other jaw part moves relative to this fixed jaw part. The two are connected to one another via the abovementioned hinge pin. It is oE course sufficient here if the recess - 2 ~ 7 is provided in the movable jaw part and if the shank tube has only one opening or one groove and only one cor-responding annular piece ~or sliding into the recess.
However, the fixed jaw part should then have a separate recess, into which the guiding limb of the movable jaw part can disappear.
In the preferred illustrative embodiments, how-ever, both jaw parts are movable and thus of identical design, in which case two corresponding openings or grooves and two corresponding annular pieces are also arranged in the shank wall.
For the purpose of fixing the two jaw parts, a fork with two fork limbs on the pull element is then sufficient, the jaw parts being connected to the fork limbs via a corresponding pin. When the pull element is removed together with the jaw parts, the guiding limbs can enter the region between the fork limbs due to the design of the recess, with the result that they do not interfere during the removal of the pull element. This pull element, together with the jaw parts, can thus be sterili~ed and cleaned separately from the shank. Clean-ing o~ the interior of the shanX is also possible in a simple manner at the same time.
Assembly is in turn accomplished in a simple manner by arranging the two ~aw parts approximately horizontally. In the process, the guiding limbs disappear again between the fork limbs and the pull element can be inserted into the shank tube together with the jaw parts.
2~5~
As the annular pieces slide into the rec~ss, the guiding limbs are then swiveled out of their concealed position again and slide into the opening, the jaw parts rotating about the pin or hinge pin.
The annular piece can moreover also have a different design. It is, for example, possible here for a pivot pin to be inserted in a blind slot-like recess.
To ensure that centering takes place immediately as the jaw parts are inserted into the shank tube, the guiding limbs thus finding the openings, a guide clip 31, which can be placed on the shank tube, is provided according to the invention. In the present illustrative embodiment, this guide clip comprises two open hoops which are connected to one another via snap-in strips.
The jaw parts are accommodated between the hoops. The snap-in strips in turn have snap-in knobs, the position of which coincides axiall~ with the guiding limbs. These snap-in knobs then clip into the openings, with the result that the guiding limbs find the opening from the interior of the shank in all cases. This is a preferred embodiment of the inventionO
Another possibility for centering or facilitating the insertion of the jaw parts into the shank tube consists in the presence on the pull element of a plun~er piece into which at least one guiding groo~e is formed.
This guiding groove then interact~ with a corresponding guiding projection in the shank ~ube during the insertion ofthe plunger piece into the shank tube. An anti-rotation 2 ~ 7 safeguard is thereby provided at the same time Overall, the surgical instrument is of extremely simple construction and easy to operate. It allo~s high transmission of force to the jaw parts, improving the cutting effect. Particularl~ to be emphasized is the ease of disassembly. For this purpose, all that is re~uired is for the pull element to be released from a corresponding forceps or scissor handle or the like.
This purpose is also served especially by a further embodiment of the invention. To move the two jaw parts, corresponding forceps limbs are provided which can be opened and closed by the human hand. The shank tube is fixed on one forceps limb, generall~ in a holding device, while the pull element is in general connected to the other forceps limb. In the present illustrative embodiment, the pull element has a driving ball which, in the use position, rests in a ball socket in a neck of this forceps limb. soth forceps limbs then rotate about a common pivot.
To allow the pull element to be released in a simple manner from its forceps limb but, on the other hand, to ensure that it does not slide out of its holding device in the case of a normal actuation of the surgical instrument, a catch device should be provided which limits the motion of the two forceps limbs relative to one another. The limitation of the motion has the effect that, in the case of normal actuation of the forceps, the driving ball remains in the ball socket in each end 2 ~ 7 position but that, when this catch device is released, one forceps limb can be swiveled sufficiently far -for the driviny ball simply ~o slide out of the ball socket and to allow the pull element then to be pulled out of the shank tube together with the jaw parts.
In a preferred embodiment, this catch device essentially has a semicircular arch which likewise rotates about the pivot of the two forceps limbs. To accommodate it, a guiding channel, in which the semicir-cular arch slides, is formed in one forceps limb. In one end position, in which the motion of the two forceps limbs relative to one another is to be limited, the semicircular arch protrudes with a stop stud beyond a stop face, with the result that a forceps limb can only be moved as far as this stop stud. If, however, the position o~ the semicircular arch is altered, this stop stud disappears in the forceps limb, i.e. the forceps limb can be swiveled as far as the stop face, it being possible, in this end position, for the driving ball to slide out o~ the ball socket.
In its end position in which it projects with a stop stud beyond the stop face, the semicircular arch should preferably be fixed releasably. This is accom-plished in a simple manner by the semicircular arch engaging in this end position behind a latching heel pro-vided in the forceps limb. The semicircular arch can be pushed out of this latching-heel bearing simply by exert-ing pressure on a tab or the like on the semicircular - 8 - 2~ 7 arch, i~ then being free an~ ahle to rotate about the pivot.
The present invention is also concerned with a further embodiment of ~he forceps limbs or their fixing relative to one another, this being a preferred embo-diment for use with the surgical instrument under consi-deration. However, it is not the intention to restrict the present invention solely to this use; on the con-trary, the embodiment described below of a locking device is transferable to many surgical instruments which oper-ate with forceps or scissor handles.
The inventive idea relates particularly to the possibility of fixing the forceps limbs in a particular relationship relative to one another.
Locking devices are known for this purpose, two locking strips being, for example, secured on each limb and overlapping/underlapping each other, the respective teeth being in engagement with one another. It is disad-vantageous here that a second hand is necessary to relaase the locking device.
Another locking device comprises a locking strip which is connected in articulated fashion on one side to one forceps limb and, on the other side, is pressed against a latching tooth on the other forceps limb by a spring. If it is assumed that the user operates the for-ceps or scissors with his thumb and index finger, this locking device can only be released with the other hand.
Other locking devices are either difficult to 2 ~ 7 operate or are of very complicated construction.
The further embodiment of the invention under consideration develops a forceps or scissor handle in which the locking device is of very simple construction and, in particular, is very easy to actuate with just one hand, more specifically with the hand which also actuates the forceps or scissor handle itself.
This purpose is served by the fact that, adjoin ing the locking strip, there is a lever limb, if required with a finger hollow.
The rotation of the locking strip which brings the locking teeth out of engagement with the engagement tooth can be effected by means of one finger of the actuating hand which is also holding the forceps or scissor handle. In general, this will be done by means of the middle finger, ring finger or little finger.
The locking strip should preferably be under the pressure of an energy accumulator, the pressure having the effect that the locking strip remains in engagement with the engagement tooth. This means that, to release the locking device, the user has to perform just one movement of one finger in one direction. ~he engaging movement is then taken over by the energy accumulator.
The locking strip can rest against the forceps limb having the engagement tooth or engaye round it.
Preferably, however, a slot is formed in ~he forceps limb, through which slot the locking strip engages. The locking strip thereby presents the least interference ~6~7 with the normal action of the forceps or scissor handle.
In addition, the locking strip is thereby provided with more reliable guidance.
If the locking strip engages on the forceps limb from outside, an additional engagement tooth is formed on the forceps limb there. If, however, in the preferred illustrative embodiment, the locking strip engages through the forceps limb, then it is sufficient if one slot edge is formed like a wedge at that point to give an engagement tooth.
Another idea is that of a clamp-shaped receiver for the locking strip on the o~her forceps limb, into which receiver the locking strip engages.
For mounting the locking strip on the other forceps limb, the intention is to use a simple hinge pin about which the locking strip can rot~te. To ensure favorable engagement of the energy accumulator designed as a spring strip, the articulation should be effected by means of a hook-shaped formation which forms an engage-ment hollow between itself and the actual locking strip, into which hollow the energy accumulator can engage and press against the hook. In a preferred illustrative embodiment, the energy accumulator is designed as a slmple spring strip which lies firmly on an inner face of the forceps limb. A front face of the hook is then supported agains~ this spring strip above the hinge pin, the locking strip thus being under a prestress towards the engagement tooth.
Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred illustrative embodiments and with reference to the drawing; the latter shows in Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through a surgical instrument according to the invention;
Fig. 2 an exploded representation of parts of the surgical instrument according to Fig. 1, shown partially cut away;
Fig. 3 a longitudinal section through a part-region of the surgical instrument according to Fig. 1, in another use posi~ion;
Fig. 4 a longitudinal section through a part-region of the surgical instrument according to Fig. 1, in two different use positions;
Fig. 5 a partially depicted longitudinal section through a further illustrative embodiment of the surgical instrument according to Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 a detail of Fig. 5, turned through 90 degrees and shown partially cut away;
Fig. 7 a partially depicted longitudinal section through a further illustrative embodiment of a surgical instrument according to Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 a longitudinal section through a part-region of a further illustrative embodiment of a surgical instrument;
Fig. 9 a partially depicted longitudinal section through a further illustrative embodiment of a surgical 2 ~
instrument similar to that in Figure 7;
Fig. lO a longitudinal section through a part-region of a further illustrative embodiment of a surgical instrument;
Fig. 11 a plan view of a part of the surgical instrument according to Figure 10;
Fig. 12 a plan view of a jaw part of the surgical instrument according to Figure 10;
Fig. 13 a plan view of a forceps or scissor handle according to the invention in the open position;
Fig. 14 cross sections through various embodi-ments of latching elements;
Fig. 15 a plan view of a further illustrative embodiment of a forceps or scissor handle according to the invention in the open position;
Fig. 16 a plan view of the illustrative embodi-ment of the forceps or scissor handle according to the invention and in accordance with Figure lS, in another use position;
; Fig. 17 shows an enlarged plan view of a part-region of the forceps or scissor handle according to the invention and corresponding to Figure 13;
Fig. 18 an enlarged plan view of the part-region of the forceps or scissor handle in accordance with Figure 17, in another use po~ition;
Fig. 19 shows a plan view of a further illustra-tive embodLment of a forceps or scissor handle according to the invention in the open position;
2 ~ 7 Fig. 20 a plan view of the forceps or scissor handle according to Figure 19 but in the closed position;
Figs. 21 and 22 plan views of a further illustra-tive embodiment of a forceps or scissor handle according to the invention in accordance with Figs. 19 and 20.
A surgical instrument R according to the inven-tion, such as, for example, forceps or scissors for endoscopy, has a shank tube 1 in which a pull rod 2 is guided. In the present illustrative embodiment, the pull rod 2 is essentially composed of a rod 3 and a plunger piece 4, the plunger piece 4 having a larger diameter than the rod 3. Integrally formed on the rod 3 at one end, via a connection piece 5, is a driving ball 6, while, at the other end, two movable jaw parts 7 and 8 are mounted in the plunger piece 4. Instead of the jaw parts 7 and 8, it is also possible for scissor parts, forceps limbs or similar ins~rumen~ parts to be fixed here.
The driving ball 6 serves for connection to a scissor or forceps handle of known design, in which case the driving ball 6 res~s in a corresponding recess of the scissor part and the connection piece 5 reaches through a slot. Of this scissor handle, the figure also shows a further guiding piece 9, through which the rod 3 likewise passes.
Numerous embodiments both for the guiding piece 9 or the entire scissor part and for the pull rod 2 are conceivable and known and are intended to be encompassed 2 ~ 7 by the present invention. It is, for example, also possible for the rod 3 to be replaced by a flexible pull cable. It can furthermore be seen in Fig. 5 that springs 10 can be arranged in the shank tube 1 for the purpose of returning the pull rod 2. As stated, numerous embodiments are known here.
Essential in the context of the present inven-tion, on the other hand, is the configura~ion of the jaw parts 7 and 8, their arrangement and connection on the plunger piece 4 and the front region of the shank tube 1 for guiding these jaw parts 7 and 8. Each jaw part 7, 8 has a cutting or clamping edge 11, which can be denoted in general terms as the working edge. Adjoining the tip 12 of the jaw part 7, 8 there is then a curved rear wall 13, into which is formed a semicircular recess 14. By virtue of this semicircular recess 14, a guiding limb 15 is formed which will be described in greater detail subsequently.
In the region of their guiding limb lS or next to the semicircular recesses 14, both the jaw parts 7 and 8 are connected to the plunger piece 4 via a pin 16, for which purpose, as shown in Fig. 2, a fork consisting of two fork limbs 17 and 18 is provided in the plunger piece 4. These two limbs 17 and 18 accommodate the jaw parts 7 and 8 between them, the pin 16 then merely having to be inserted through the corresponding articulation holes 19, 20 and 21 of the limbs 17, 18 and jaw parts 7, 8.
Fig. 2 furthermore shows a rear view of a ~aw part 7/8, which is to be regarded merely as an illustra-tive embodiment. Here, the jaw part 7/8 is of essentially half shell-shaped design, a partially hemispherical rear wall 13 thus being formed. Ad~oining this is the recess 14, although, towards the guiding limb 15, the said recess is only provided in the region of a connection strip 22.
In Figures 1 and 2, it can furthermore be seen that there are openings 23 on both sides in the shank 1, the said openings serving to receive the guiding limb 15, as men-tioned below. Towards one shank-tube rim ~4, the openings 23 are bounded by an annular piece 25, which is semicircular as seen in cross section and is formed in the appropriate shape from the wall 26 of the shank tube 1. Towards the shank-tube rim 24, this annular piece 25 forms a funnel-shaped draw-in wall 27, while, likewise widening in a funnel shape, it opens up the opening 23 by means of a corresponding sliding edge 28.
The present invention functions as follows:
For cleaning purposes or for disinfection, the driving ball 6 or a similar holding device is released from the corresponding handle part and the pull rod 2 is pulled out of the connection piece 9 and the shank tube 1 together with the jaw parts 7 and 8. The interior of the shank tube and the pull rod 2 together with the jaw parts 7 and 8 can now be thoroughly cleaned throughout.
For the purpose of assembly, the pull rod 2 is reinserted into the shank tube 1 and the guiding piece g, 2 ~ 7 the jaw parts 7 and 8 being in the use position shown in Fig. 1. During this process, the guiding limbs 15 of both jaw parts 7 and 8 disappear between the fork limbs 17 and 18, allowing them to reach through between the annular pieces 25.
As soon as the guiding limbs 15 of both jaw parts 7 and 8 are within the clear width of the annular pieces 25, the rear wall 13 of each jaw part 7 and 8 stri~es the shank-tube rim 24, with the result that the jaw parts 7 and 8 are moved in the closing direction z. The recess 14 of each jaw part 7 and 8 here opens towards the cor-responding annular piece 25, the draw-in wall 27 sliding into the recess 14, while the guiding limb lS slides onto the sliding edge 28 and enters the opening 23. These different use positions are depicted in stages in Figures 3 and 4. The way in which the annular piece 25 engages in the semicircular recess 14 can be seen in Fig. 4, at the bottom. The recess at least partially surrounds the annular piece 25.
In another use position in accordance with Fig. 3, the guiding limbs 15 have already been largel~
retracted into the openings 23 and the jaw parts 7 and 8 are on the way to a closed position. This closed position is shown finally in Fig. 4, at the top, for one jaw part 7. In this position, the guiding limb 15 rests in the opening ~3, while the annular piece 25 presses on the jaw part 7 in the recess 14. This resul~s in a very favorable force distribution.
2 ~
In a further illustrative emhodiment R1 of the invention in accoxdance with Fig. 7, a jaw part 8a is formed integrally on the corresponding plunger piece 4a.
This fixed jaw part 8a is connected via a hinge pin 29 to the movable jaw part 7, which is designed as described above. To enable the fixed jaw part 8a to accommodate at least the guiding limb 15 of jaw part 7, a recess 30 is formed in the fixed jaw part 8a.
In this illustrative embodiment, only one opening 23 for a guiding limb 15 need be provided in the wall 26 of the shank tube la. For this reason, too, only one annular piece 25a is formed here towards the shank-tube rim 24.
When the plunger piece 4a is pulled out, the guiding limb 15 disappears into the recess 30 and thus does not form an obstacle to removal. Upon insertion, on the other hand, the annular piece 25a makes contact in the recess 14, with the result that the recess 14 surrounds this annular piece 25a, the guiding limb lS
moving into the opening 23 and the jaw part 7 being rotated about the hinge pin 29.
; It has been found in practice that finding the openings 23 presents difficulties particularly when using flexible pull cables ins~ead of a rigid pull rod 2. In order to counter this disadvantage, a guide clip 31 is placed on the shank tube 1 in accordance with Figures 5 and 6. By mean of two open hoops 32 and 33, this guide clip 31 forms an open, U-shaped space in which the ~aw 2 ~
parts 7 and 8 can move. Both hoops 32 and 33 are con-nected to one another by means of snap-in strips 35 and 36, a snap-in knob 37, which can snap into the opening 23, being formed on each snap-in strip 35 and 36 towards the inside. The guide clip 31 is thereby fixed in its position, with the result that the jaw parts 7 and 8 too are guided into the space \34 in a precise manner in relation to the shank tube 1. Since the snap-in knobs 37, like the guiding limbs 15 are situated eccentrically, it is in this way ensured that the guiding limbs 15 engage in the openings 23 and, in the process, displace the snap-in knobs 37 from the openings 23, allowing the guide clip 31 to be removed.
In the further illustrative embodiment of a surgical instrument R2 according to the invention and in accordance wi~h Figure 8, it can be seen that a cor-responding shank tube lb does not have any openings 23 for the corresponding guiding limbs 15. The shank tube lb is thus an outwardly closed sleeve, thus making it impossible for dirt, remains of fabric or blood to collect in an opening.
To ensure nevertheless that the jaw parts 7 and 8 interact in corresponding fashion with the annular pieces 25, grooves 40 are formed in the shank tube lb from in~ide, into which groo~es the guiding limbs 15 can engage. At the same time, it is of course conceivable for the guiding limbs 15 ~o be of considerably shorter desi~n than that illustrated.
2 ~ 7 It is furthermore possible, in Figure 8, instead of the above-described guide clip 31 for some other centering means or guidance of a plunger piece 4a to be provided, allowing a guide clip 31 to be dispensed with.
The plunger 4a is designed as an extended sleeve, guiding grooves 41 being formed in it on both sides from outside.
Engaging in these guiding grooves 41 are guiding projec-tions 42 which are formed on the inside of the shank tube lb. Together with the guiding grooves 41, these guiding projections 42 have the effect of centering the plunger piece 4a and hence also the jaw parts 7 and 8. They also provide an anti-rotation safeguard.
The furth0r embodiment R3 of a surgical instru-ment according to the invention and in accordance with Figure 9, merely shows that, here too, a shank tube lc does not have an opening, as was still provided in accordance with Figure 7. Instead, here too, a groove 40a, into which the guiding limb 15 can slide, is formed in the shank tube lc ~rom the inside behind the annular piece 25a.
Figures 10 to 12 relate to another configuration of the jaw parts 7/8 and their guidance on an annular piece 25a. Although, here too, the annular piece 25a has a draw-in wall 27 and a sliding edge 28, each annular piece 25a is provided with two disk-shaped elements 43, between which is arranged a pivot pin 44 of considerably smaller diameter.
In the use position, this pivot pin 44 rests in a recess 14a, which is designed as a blind slot. The base of this recess 14a is likewise semicircular, with the result that, here too, a center point M is formed which, in the use position, coincides approximately with a center point Ml of the pivot pin 44.
In the use position, the disk-shaped elements 43 also rest in corresponding cut-outs 45 of the jaw parts 7/8 and rotate in the latter. Good support is thereby provided for the jaw parts 7/8.
In Figure 11, it can furthermore be seen that an expansion joint 46 is cut into the shank tube ld, compen-sating any inaccuracies of fit.
According to Figure 13, a forceps or scissor handle P according to the invention, for a surgical instrument R, has two forceps limbs 51 and 52, which are connected to one another in articulated fashion at a pivot 53. An opening and closing movement in the direc-tion of the double arrow 54 is performed about the pivot 53. Forceps or scissor handles of this kind are also used in the case of surgical instruments such as those indi-cated in European Patent 0,279,358. In general, there is, ad~oining a corresponding holding device 55 of the for-ceps limb 51, a working device proper of the surgical instrument, in particular the shank tube 1, through which the pull rod 2, which is connected via the driving ball 6 to a neck 56 of the other forceps limb 2, then passes.
In the present illustrative embodiment, gripping lugs 57 and 58 are formed on each forceps limb 51 and 52, 2 ~ 7 respectively, for the actuation of the forceps limbs 51 and 52, i.e. for carrying out the opening and closing movements in the direction of the double arrow 54.
Instead of the gripping lugs 57 and 58, it is also possible, for example, for simple gripping grooves or the like to be provided on the forceps limbs 51 and 52.
It is essential that the forceps limb5 51 and 52 can be fixed at a distance from one another by a locking device E. This locking device E has a lever 60, which is pivotably connected to forceps limb 54 via a hinge pin 61. For this purpose, two tabs 52 are formed on forceps limb 51, the said tabs surrounding the lever 60 like a clamp.
The l.ocking strip 69 is assigned to a receiver 71, which is situated on the other forceps limb 52. In this illustrative embodiment in accordance with Figure 13, the receiver comprises two clamp strips 72 and 73, which are formed on forceps limb 52, preferably inte-grally. Formed in the inside wall of the two clamp strips 72 and 73 there are in each case latching teeth 74 which ~ ~ interact with corresponding latching teeth 75 on the : ~ outer surface of the locking strip 69.
:~ :
: The forceps or scissor handle according to the invention functions as follows:
For free movement of the two iorceps limbs S1 and 52, the locking device E is released by swivelling the locking strip 69 out of the engagement range of the receiver 71 via the lever 60. The latching teeth 74 are :
2~987 out of engagement with the latching teeth 75. The lever 60 is held in the corresponding position by the user, and, for example, the little finger of the user can rest in the finger hollow 70.
If the forceps limbs 51 and 52 are to be fixed in a particular relationship relative to one another, the user brings the locking strip 69 into a position in which it can enter the receiver 71. In this process, the latch-ing teeth 75 engage in the latching teeth 74. If re-quired, this locking can be canceled again by a corres-ponding pressure on the lever limb 78.
A plan view of and a cross section through the locking strip 69 is shown in Figure 14. Next to it, in cross section, is to be seen the receiver 71 and, in particular, also the latching teeth 74. Depicted above this is a cross section through the receiver 71, and discernible, in particular, is an oval internal shape which guarantees better guidance of the locking strip 69, which is oval in cross section.
In a further illustrative embodiment, it is also possible for a receiver 71a ~o be covered with a small number of latching teeth 74 only after a receiving opening 77. The corresponding cross section is likewise depicted above it in Figure 14.
Figures 15 and 16 make it clear that the locking device El can also be arranged in reverse~ that is to say that the lever 60 is situated on forceps limb 52 and the receiver 71 is situated on forceps limb 51. ~his 9 ~ 7 embodiment too is also intended to be encompassed by the inventive idea since it is equivalent to the embodiment shown in Figure 13.
However, also depicted in Figures 15 to 18 is a particularly preferred catch device Q which guarantees, on the one hand, that, during the movement of the forceps limbs 51 and 52, the connection of the pull rod 2 at the neck 56 is retained but, on the other hand, that this connection can be released in a simple manner so that removal of the pull rod from the shank tube 1 and hence cleaning of the corresponding parts is very easily possible..
For this purpose, the catch device Q preferably has a semicircular arch 80 which i9 arranged around the pivot 53. This semicircular arch 80 can also be moved around this pivot 53 in a corresponding guiding groove 81, although, as shown in Figure 17, it can be fixed in a particular use position. In this use position, a stop stud 83 protrudes as part of the semicircular arch 80 from a stop face 82 of the forceps limb 41 and thus limits a rotary motion of the forceps limb 52 to an angle wO This angle w is designed such that the driving ball 6 is still situated in a ball socket 84 in such a way that it cannot slide out of this ball socket 84. This is indicated in broken lines in Figu.re 17. In this position, the semicircular arch 80 moreover strikes at the other end of the stop stud 83 against a latching heel 85 and is thus fixed ~ecurely against rotation.
2 ~ 7 To r~lease the semicircular arch 80, it is raised via a tab 86, allowing it to travel over the latching heel 85, as illustrated in Figure 18. During this process, the stop stud 83 disappears inside the guiding groove 81 and thus no longer provides a limit for the rotary motion of forceps limb 52. For this reason, forceps limb 53 can perform a motion through the angle v, the ball socket 84 moving into a position in which the driving ball 6 can slide out of the ball socket 84. The pull rod 2 can now readily be removed from the shank tube 1. , After cleaning all the parts, it is sufficient for the pull rod 2 to be pushed into the shank tube 1, the driving ball 6 then sliding readily into the ball socket 84. Forceps limb 52 is now moved towards forceps limb 51 r closure of the two forceps limbs thus occurring.
During this process, a return stud 87 strikes the semi-circular arch 80 and pushes it together with the tab 86 into a latching position, in which the semicircular arch 80 engages behind the latching heel 85 and the stop stud 83 protrudes from the stop face 82. In the event of a now following furthex operation of the forceps limbs 51 and 52, it is impossible for the ball socket 84 to move into a position in which the driving ball slides out of the ball socket 84 by mistake.
The semicircular arch 80 can also optionally be arranged with the same function in forceps limb 52.
Formed Ln a forceps limb 52a in a further illustrative :: :
::
2 ~
embodiment of a locking device E is a recess g2 in which rests a hook 93 formed on a lever 60a. Passing through this hook 93 towards the end is a h.inge pin 61a, the hook 93 furthermore forming with the lever 60a an engagement hollow 94 into which, in the use position, a spring strip 95 engages. A front face 96 of the hook 93 is supported against this spring strip 95, the spring strip 95, which is under prestress, bringing about a movement of the lever 60a in direction x. The spring strip 95, which is fixed on the forceps limb 52a via corresponding screws 97, presses on the front face 96, with the result that the lever 6Oa rotates about the hinge pin 6la.
If the forceps limbs 51a and 52a are to be fixed in a particular relationship relative to one another, it is sufficient for the user to release his counterpressure against the spring strip 95, with the result that this spring strip 95 can rotate the lever 60a about the hinge pin 61a and the engagement tooth 103 engages in one of the locking teeth 104. This locking can be canceled again when required by a corxesponding pressure on the lever limb 68.
The hook 93 is moreover arranged in a region between the lever limb 68 and a locking strip 69. Adjoin-ing the lever limb 68 there is furthermore the finger hollow 70.
The locking strip 69a reaches through a slot 101 in the other forceps limb 51a, an upper slot edge 102 being of wedge-shaped design and forming an engagement 2 ~ g 7 tooth 103. Locking teeth 104 on the upper side of the locking strip 69a interact with this engagement tooth 103, as shown, in particular, in Figure 20.
Figuras 21 and 22 additionally show that, instead of a finger hollow on the lever limb 68, a gripping lug lOS is provided, movement of the lever limb 68 both forwards and backwards thereby being possible without relocating the finger.
Surgical instruments of this kind are known in the form of forceps, scissors, clamps or the like in numerous embodiments and are used for a very wide variety of purposes. In general, they comprise two jaw parts which are moved relative to one another, clamping, cutting or shearing then being effected.
Reference is made purely by way of example to German Offenlegungsschrift 3,921,935, which discloses endoscopy forceps. Here, the forceps limbs are connected to one another via a pivot pin. Coupled to the forceps limbs on the other side of this pivot pin is a pull cable, a pull rod or the like. Connected to the pull cable is a guiding element which has at least one guiding channel in which there engages a lever extension which is formed on a forceps limb on the far side of the pivot pin or of a pivot. If a pull is exerted on this guiding element, the ~aws formed by the forceps limbs close or open.
A particular disadvantage of these hitherto known 2 ~
forceps is the fact that they can be disassembled, cleaned and sterilized after use only with considerable trouble. Assembly in turn also requires a large amount of time and is associated with touching the parts, which are per se to be kept sterile.
In addition, in the case of many surgical instru-ments of this kind, the mechanism leaves much to be desired, especially as regards the transmission of force to the jaw parts.
German Utility Models 87 12 328.2 and aa 14 560.3 furthermore disclose endoscopy forceps in which -the jaw parts form an axis of rotation with the pull element.
These jaw parts are guided in corresponding wall openings in the shank tube, but this is very imprecise. The transmission of force for opening and closing the jaws also leaves much to be desired. In addition, the upper sleeve has to be unscrewed from the spiral for the purpose of cleaning.
The underlying object of the present invention is to provide as perfect a mechanism as possible in combination with optimum transmission of force to the jaw parts, with disassembly of the surgical instrument at the same time being extremely easy and taking little time.
Leading to the achievement of this object is the fact that formed in at least one jaw part from outside is a recess, the center point of which ro~ates about the axis of rotation on the pull element, the recess at least partially surrounding, in the use position, an annular piece provided in the wall of the shank tube and the jaw part rotating about this annular piece during its closing or opening movement.
The interplay between the annular piece in the shank tube and the recess is particularl~ important. As soon as the pull element moves in the shank tube, this axial motion is converted into a rotary motion of the jaw part or parts by the recess sliding around the annular piece. Thus at least parts of the recess always slide along the walls of the annular piece.
To ensure that movement of the jaw part to one side is not the only possibility, the recess should be of approximately semicircular design. In the event of a pull on the pull element, the jaw part is as a result closed, while, in the opposite direction, the jaw part is opened.
To ensure a good interplay between the annular piece and the recess, the radius of the recess should be only slightly larger than the radius of the annular piece. ~hus, in the use position, both the center point of the recess and the center point of the annular piece are close together, giving maximum surface contact bet~een the annular piece and the recess. This improves the guidance of the jaw part.
In one illustrative embodiment of the invention, one jaw part can be designed as a fixed part, while the other jaw part moves relative to this fixed jaw part. The two are connected to one another via the abovementioned hinge pin. It is oE course sufficient here if the recess - 2 ~ 7 is provided in the movable jaw part and if the shank tube has only one opening or one groove and only one cor-responding annular piece ~or sliding into the recess.
However, the fixed jaw part should then have a separate recess, into which the guiding limb of the movable jaw part can disappear.
In the preferred illustrative embodiments, how-ever, both jaw parts are movable and thus of identical design, in which case two corresponding openings or grooves and two corresponding annular pieces are also arranged in the shank wall.
For the purpose of fixing the two jaw parts, a fork with two fork limbs on the pull element is then sufficient, the jaw parts being connected to the fork limbs via a corresponding pin. When the pull element is removed together with the jaw parts, the guiding limbs can enter the region between the fork limbs due to the design of the recess, with the result that they do not interfere during the removal of the pull element. This pull element, together with the jaw parts, can thus be sterili~ed and cleaned separately from the shank. Clean-ing o~ the interior of the shanX is also possible in a simple manner at the same time.
Assembly is in turn accomplished in a simple manner by arranging the two ~aw parts approximately horizontally. In the process, the guiding limbs disappear again between the fork limbs and the pull element can be inserted into the shank tube together with the jaw parts.
2~5~
As the annular pieces slide into the rec~ss, the guiding limbs are then swiveled out of their concealed position again and slide into the opening, the jaw parts rotating about the pin or hinge pin.
The annular piece can moreover also have a different design. It is, for example, possible here for a pivot pin to be inserted in a blind slot-like recess.
To ensure that centering takes place immediately as the jaw parts are inserted into the shank tube, the guiding limbs thus finding the openings, a guide clip 31, which can be placed on the shank tube, is provided according to the invention. In the present illustrative embodiment, this guide clip comprises two open hoops which are connected to one another via snap-in strips.
The jaw parts are accommodated between the hoops. The snap-in strips in turn have snap-in knobs, the position of which coincides axiall~ with the guiding limbs. These snap-in knobs then clip into the openings, with the result that the guiding limbs find the opening from the interior of the shank in all cases. This is a preferred embodiment of the inventionO
Another possibility for centering or facilitating the insertion of the jaw parts into the shank tube consists in the presence on the pull element of a plun~er piece into which at least one guiding groo~e is formed.
This guiding groove then interact~ with a corresponding guiding projection in the shank ~ube during the insertion ofthe plunger piece into the shank tube. An anti-rotation 2 ~ 7 safeguard is thereby provided at the same time Overall, the surgical instrument is of extremely simple construction and easy to operate. It allo~s high transmission of force to the jaw parts, improving the cutting effect. Particularl~ to be emphasized is the ease of disassembly. For this purpose, all that is re~uired is for the pull element to be released from a corresponding forceps or scissor handle or the like.
This purpose is also served especially by a further embodiment of the invention. To move the two jaw parts, corresponding forceps limbs are provided which can be opened and closed by the human hand. The shank tube is fixed on one forceps limb, generall~ in a holding device, while the pull element is in general connected to the other forceps limb. In the present illustrative embodiment, the pull element has a driving ball which, in the use position, rests in a ball socket in a neck of this forceps limb. soth forceps limbs then rotate about a common pivot.
To allow the pull element to be released in a simple manner from its forceps limb but, on the other hand, to ensure that it does not slide out of its holding device in the case of a normal actuation of the surgical instrument, a catch device should be provided which limits the motion of the two forceps limbs relative to one another. The limitation of the motion has the effect that, in the case of normal actuation of the forceps, the driving ball remains in the ball socket in each end 2 ~ 7 position but that, when this catch device is released, one forceps limb can be swiveled sufficiently far -for the driviny ball simply ~o slide out of the ball socket and to allow the pull element then to be pulled out of the shank tube together with the jaw parts.
In a preferred embodiment, this catch device essentially has a semicircular arch which likewise rotates about the pivot of the two forceps limbs. To accommodate it, a guiding channel, in which the semicir-cular arch slides, is formed in one forceps limb. In one end position, in which the motion of the two forceps limbs relative to one another is to be limited, the semicircular arch protrudes with a stop stud beyond a stop face, with the result that a forceps limb can only be moved as far as this stop stud. If, however, the position o~ the semicircular arch is altered, this stop stud disappears in the forceps limb, i.e. the forceps limb can be swiveled as far as the stop face, it being possible, in this end position, for the driving ball to slide out o~ the ball socket.
In its end position in which it projects with a stop stud beyond the stop face, the semicircular arch should preferably be fixed releasably. This is accom-plished in a simple manner by the semicircular arch engaging in this end position behind a latching heel pro-vided in the forceps limb. The semicircular arch can be pushed out of this latching-heel bearing simply by exert-ing pressure on a tab or the like on the semicircular - 8 - 2~ 7 arch, i~ then being free an~ ahle to rotate about the pivot.
The present invention is also concerned with a further embodiment of ~he forceps limbs or their fixing relative to one another, this being a preferred embo-diment for use with the surgical instrument under consi-deration. However, it is not the intention to restrict the present invention solely to this use; on the con-trary, the embodiment described below of a locking device is transferable to many surgical instruments which oper-ate with forceps or scissor handles.
The inventive idea relates particularly to the possibility of fixing the forceps limbs in a particular relationship relative to one another.
Locking devices are known for this purpose, two locking strips being, for example, secured on each limb and overlapping/underlapping each other, the respective teeth being in engagement with one another. It is disad-vantageous here that a second hand is necessary to relaase the locking device.
Another locking device comprises a locking strip which is connected in articulated fashion on one side to one forceps limb and, on the other side, is pressed against a latching tooth on the other forceps limb by a spring. If it is assumed that the user operates the for-ceps or scissors with his thumb and index finger, this locking device can only be released with the other hand.
Other locking devices are either difficult to 2 ~ 7 operate or are of very complicated construction.
The further embodiment of the invention under consideration develops a forceps or scissor handle in which the locking device is of very simple construction and, in particular, is very easy to actuate with just one hand, more specifically with the hand which also actuates the forceps or scissor handle itself.
This purpose is served by the fact that, adjoin ing the locking strip, there is a lever limb, if required with a finger hollow.
The rotation of the locking strip which brings the locking teeth out of engagement with the engagement tooth can be effected by means of one finger of the actuating hand which is also holding the forceps or scissor handle. In general, this will be done by means of the middle finger, ring finger or little finger.
The locking strip should preferably be under the pressure of an energy accumulator, the pressure having the effect that the locking strip remains in engagement with the engagement tooth. This means that, to release the locking device, the user has to perform just one movement of one finger in one direction. ~he engaging movement is then taken over by the energy accumulator.
The locking strip can rest against the forceps limb having the engagement tooth or engaye round it.
Preferably, however, a slot is formed in ~he forceps limb, through which slot the locking strip engages. The locking strip thereby presents the least interference ~6~7 with the normal action of the forceps or scissor handle.
In addition, the locking strip is thereby provided with more reliable guidance.
If the locking strip engages on the forceps limb from outside, an additional engagement tooth is formed on the forceps limb there. If, however, in the preferred illustrative embodiment, the locking strip engages through the forceps limb, then it is sufficient if one slot edge is formed like a wedge at that point to give an engagement tooth.
Another idea is that of a clamp-shaped receiver for the locking strip on the o~her forceps limb, into which receiver the locking strip engages.
For mounting the locking strip on the other forceps limb, the intention is to use a simple hinge pin about which the locking strip can rot~te. To ensure favorable engagement of the energy accumulator designed as a spring strip, the articulation should be effected by means of a hook-shaped formation which forms an engage-ment hollow between itself and the actual locking strip, into which hollow the energy accumulator can engage and press against the hook. In a preferred illustrative embodiment, the energy accumulator is designed as a slmple spring strip which lies firmly on an inner face of the forceps limb. A front face of the hook is then supported agains~ this spring strip above the hinge pin, the locking strip thus being under a prestress towards the engagement tooth.
Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred illustrative embodiments and with reference to the drawing; the latter shows in Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through a surgical instrument according to the invention;
Fig. 2 an exploded representation of parts of the surgical instrument according to Fig. 1, shown partially cut away;
Fig. 3 a longitudinal section through a part-region of the surgical instrument according to Fig. 1, in another use posi~ion;
Fig. 4 a longitudinal section through a part-region of the surgical instrument according to Fig. 1, in two different use positions;
Fig. 5 a partially depicted longitudinal section through a further illustrative embodiment of the surgical instrument according to Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 a detail of Fig. 5, turned through 90 degrees and shown partially cut away;
Fig. 7 a partially depicted longitudinal section through a further illustrative embodiment of a surgical instrument according to Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 a longitudinal section through a part-region of a further illustrative embodiment of a surgical instrument;
Fig. 9 a partially depicted longitudinal section through a further illustrative embodiment of a surgical 2 ~
instrument similar to that in Figure 7;
Fig. lO a longitudinal section through a part-region of a further illustrative embodiment of a surgical instrument;
Fig. 11 a plan view of a part of the surgical instrument according to Figure 10;
Fig. 12 a plan view of a jaw part of the surgical instrument according to Figure 10;
Fig. 13 a plan view of a forceps or scissor handle according to the invention in the open position;
Fig. 14 cross sections through various embodi-ments of latching elements;
Fig. 15 a plan view of a further illustrative embodiment of a forceps or scissor handle according to the invention in the open position;
Fig. 16 a plan view of the illustrative embodi-ment of the forceps or scissor handle according to the invention and in accordance with Figure lS, in another use position;
; Fig. 17 shows an enlarged plan view of a part-region of the forceps or scissor handle according to the invention and corresponding to Figure 13;
Fig. 18 an enlarged plan view of the part-region of the forceps or scissor handle in accordance with Figure 17, in another use po~ition;
Fig. 19 shows a plan view of a further illustra-tive embodLment of a forceps or scissor handle according to the invention in the open position;
2 ~ 7 Fig. 20 a plan view of the forceps or scissor handle according to Figure 19 but in the closed position;
Figs. 21 and 22 plan views of a further illustra-tive embodiment of a forceps or scissor handle according to the invention in accordance with Figs. 19 and 20.
A surgical instrument R according to the inven-tion, such as, for example, forceps or scissors for endoscopy, has a shank tube 1 in which a pull rod 2 is guided. In the present illustrative embodiment, the pull rod 2 is essentially composed of a rod 3 and a plunger piece 4, the plunger piece 4 having a larger diameter than the rod 3. Integrally formed on the rod 3 at one end, via a connection piece 5, is a driving ball 6, while, at the other end, two movable jaw parts 7 and 8 are mounted in the plunger piece 4. Instead of the jaw parts 7 and 8, it is also possible for scissor parts, forceps limbs or similar ins~rumen~ parts to be fixed here.
The driving ball 6 serves for connection to a scissor or forceps handle of known design, in which case the driving ball 6 res~s in a corresponding recess of the scissor part and the connection piece 5 reaches through a slot. Of this scissor handle, the figure also shows a further guiding piece 9, through which the rod 3 likewise passes.
Numerous embodiments both for the guiding piece 9 or the entire scissor part and for the pull rod 2 are conceivable and known and are intended to be encompassed 2 ~ 7 by the present invention. It is, for example, also possible for the rod 3 to be replaced by a flexible pull cable. It can furthermore be seen in Fig. 5 that springs 10 can be arranged in the shank tube 1 for the purpose of returning the pull rod 2. As stated, numerous embodiments are known here.
Essential in the context of the present inven-tion, on the other hand, is the configura~ion of the jaw parts 7 and 8, their arrangement and connection on the plunger piece 4 and the front region of the shank tube 1 for guiding these jaw parts 7 and 8. Each jaw part 7, 8 has a cutting or clamping edge 11, which can be denoted in general terms as the working edge. Adjoining the tip 12 of the jaw part 7, 8 there is then a curved rear wall 13, into which is formed a semicircular recess 14. By virtue of this semicircular recess 14, a guiding limb 15 is formed which will be described in greater detail subsequently.
In the region of their guiding limb lS or next to the semicircular recesses 14, both the jaw parts 7 and 8 are connected to the plunger piece 4 via a pin 16, for which purpose, as shown in Fig. 2, a fork consisting of two fork limbs 17 and 18 is provided in the plunger piece 4. These two limbs 17 and 18 accommodate the jaw parts 7 and 8 between them, the pin 16 then merely having to be inserted through the corresponding articulation holes 19, 20 and 21 of the limbs 17, 18 and jaw parts 7, 8.
Fig. 2 furthermore shows a rear view of a ~aw part 7/8, which is to be regarded merely as an illustra-tive embodiment. Here, the jaw part 7/8 is of essentially half shell-shaped design, a partially hemispherical rear wall 13 thus being formed. Ad~oining this is the recess 14, although, towards the guiding limb 15, the said recess is only provided in the region of a connection strip 22.
In Figures 1 and 2, it can furthermore be seen that there are openings 23 on both sides in the shank 1, the said openings serving to receive the guiding limb 15, as men-tioned below. Towards one shank-tube rim ~4, the openings 23 are bounded by an annular piece 25, which is semicircular as seen in cross section and is formed in the appropriate shape from the wall 26 of the shank tube 1. Towards the shank-tube rim 24, this annular piece 25 forms a funnel-shaped draw-in wall 27, while, likewise widening in a funnel shape, it opens up the opening 23 by means of a corresponding sliding edge 28.
The present invention functions as follows:
For cleaning purposes or for disinfection, the driving ball 6 or a similar holding device is released from the corresponding handle part and the pull rod 2 is pulled out of the connection piece 9 and the shank tube 1 together with the jaw parts 7 and 8. The interior of the shank tube and the pull rod 2 together with the jaw parts 7 and 8 can now be thoroughly cleaned throughout.
For the purpose of assembly, the pull rod 2 is reinserted into the shank tube 1 and the guiding piece g, 2 ~ 7 the jaw parts 7 and 8 being in the use position shown in Fig. 1. During this process, the guiding limbs 15 of both jaw parts 7 and 8 disappear between the fork limbs 17 and 18, allowing them to reach through between the annular pieces 25.
As soon as the guiding limbs 15 of both jaw parts 7 and 8 are within the clear width of the annular pieces 25, the rear wall 13 of each jaw part 7 and 8 stri~es the shank-tube rim 24, with the result that the jaw parts 7 and 8 are moved in the closing direction z. The recess 14 of each jaw part 7 and 8 here opens towards the cor-responding annular piece 25, the draw-in wall 27 sliding into the recess 14, while the guiding limb lS slides onto the sliding edge 28 and enters the opening 23. These different use positions are depicted in stages in Figures 3 and 4. The way in which the annular piece 25 engages in the semicircular recess 14 can be seen in Fig. 4, at the bottom. The recess at least partially surrounds the annular piece 25.
In another use position in accordance with Fig. 3, the guiding limbs 15 have already been largel~
retracted into the openings 23 and the jaw parts 7 and 8 are on the way to a closed position. This closed position is shown finally in Fig. 4, at the top, for one jaw part 7. In this position, the guiding limb 15 rests in the opening ~3, while the annular piece 25 presses on the jaw part 7 in the recess 14. This resul~s in a very favorable force distribution.
2 ~
In a further illustrative emhodiment R1 of the invention in accoxdance with Fig. 7, a jaw part 8a is formed integrally on the corresponding plunger piece 4a.
This fixed jaw part 8a is connected via a hinge pin 29 to the movable jaw part 7, which is designed as described above. To enable the fixed jaw part 8a to accommodate at least the guiding limb 15 of jaw part 7, a recess 30 is formed in the fixed jaw part 8a.
In this illustrative embodiment, only one opening 23 for a guiding limb 15 need be provided in the wall 26 of the shank tube la. For this reason, too, only one annular piece 25a is formed here towards the shank-tube rim 24.
When the plunger piece 4a is pulled out, the guiding limb 15 disappears into the recess 30 and thus does not form an obstacle to removal. Upon insertion, on the other hand, the annular piece 25a makes contact in the recess 14, with the result that the recess 14 surrounds this annular piece 25a, the guiding limb lS
moving into the opening 23 and the jaw part 7 being rotated about the hinge pin 29.
; It has been found in practice that finding the openings 23 presents difficulties particularly when using flexible pull cables ins~ead of a rigid pull rod 2. In order to counter this disadvantage, a guide clip 31 is placed on the shank tube 1 in accordance with Figures 5 and 6. By mean of two open hoops 32 and 33, this guide clip 31 forms an open, U-shaped space in which the ~aw 2 ~
parts 7 and 8 can move. Both hoops 32 and 33 are con-nected to one another by means of snap-in strips 35 and 36, a snap-in knob 37, which can snap into the opening 23, being formed on each snap-in strip 35 and 36 towards the inside. The guide clip 31 is thereby fixed in its position, with the result that the jaw parts 7 and 8 too are guided into the space \34 in a precise manner in relation to the shank tube 1. Since the snap-in knobs 37, like the guiding limbs 15 are situated eccentrically, it is in this way ensured that the guiding limbs 15 engage in the openings 23 and, in the process, displace the snap-in knobs 37 from the openings 23, allowing the guide clip 31 to be removed.
In the further illustrative embodiment of a surgical instrument R2 according to the invention and in accordance wi~h Figure 8, it can be seen that a cor-responding shank tube lb does not have any openings 23 for the corresponding guiding limbs 15. The shank tube lb is thus an outwardly closed sleeve, thus making it impossible for dirt, remains of fabric or blood to collect in an opening.
To ensure nevertheless that the jaw parts 7 and 8 interact in corresponding fashion with the annular pieces 25, grooves 40 are formed in the shank tube lb from in~ide, into which groo~es the guiding limbs 15 can engage. At the same time, it is of course conceivable for the guiding limbs 15 ~o be of considerably shorter desi~n than that illustrated.
2 ~ 7 It is furthermore possible, in Figure 8, instead of the above-described guide clip 31 for some other centering means or guidance of a plunger piece 4a to be provided, allowing a guide clip 31 to be dispensed with.
The plunger 4a is designed as an extended sleeve, guiding grooves 41 being formed in it on both sides from outside.
Engaging in these guiding grooves 41 are guiding projec-tions 42 which are formed on the inside of the shank tube lb. Together with the guiding grooves 41, these guiding projections 42 have the effect of centering the plunger piece 4a and hence also the jaw parts 7 and 8. They also provide an anti-rotation safeguard.
The furth0r embodiment R3 of a surgical instru-ment according to the invention and in accordance with Figure 9, merely shows that, here too, a shank tube lc does not have an opening, as was still provided in accordance with Figure 7. Instead, here too, a groove 40a, into which the guiding limb 15 can slide, is formed in the shank tube lc ~rom the inside behind the annular piece 25a.
Figures 10 to 12 relate to another configuration of the jaw parts 7/8 and their guidance on an annular piece 25a. Although, here too, the annular piece 25a has a draw-in wall 27 and a sliding edge 28, each annular piece 25a is provided with two disk-shaped elements 43, between which is arranged a pivot pin 44 of considerably smaller diameter.
In the use position, this pivot pin 44 rests in a recess 14a, which is designed as a blind slot. The base of this recess 14a is likewise semicircular, with the result that, here too, a center point M is formed which, in the use position, coincides approximately with a center point Ml of the pivot pin 44.
In the use position, the disk-shaped elements 43 also rest in corresponding cut-outs 45 of the jaw parts 7/8 and rotate in the latter. Good support is thereby provided for the jaw parts 7/8.
In Figure 11, it can furthermore be seen that an expansion joint 46 is cut into the shank tube ld, compen-sating any inaccuracies of fit.
According to Figure 13, a forceps or scissor handle P according to the invention, for a surgical instrument R, has two forceps limbs 51 and 52, which are connected to one another in articulated fashion at a pivot 53. An opening and closing movement in the direc-tion of the double arrow 54 is performed about the pivot 53. Forceps or scissor handles of this kind are also used in the case of surgical instruments such as those indi-cated in European Patent 0,279,358. In general, there is, ad~oining a corresponding holding device 55 of the for-ceps limb 51, a working device proper of the surgical instrument, in particular the shank tube 1, through which the pull rod 2, which is connected via the driving ball 6 to a neck 56 of the other forceps limb 2, then passes.
In the present illustrative embodiment, gripping lugs 57 and 58 are formed on each forceps limb 51 and 52, 2 ~ 7 respectively, for the actuation of the forceps limbs 51 and 52, i.e. for carrying out the opening and closing movements in the direction of the double arrow 54.
Instead of the gripping lugs 57 and 58, it is also possible, for example, for simple gripping grooves or the like to be provided on the forceps limbs 51 and 52.
It is essential that the forceps limb5 51 and 52 can be fixed at a distance from one another by a locking device E. This locking device E has a lever 60, which is pivotably connected to forceps limb 54 via a hinge pin 61. For this purpose, two tabs 52 are formed on forceps limb 51, the said tabs surrounding the lever 60 like a clamp.
The l.ocking strip 69 is assigned to a receiver 71, which is situated on the other forceps limb 52. In this illustrative embodiment in accordance with Figure 13, the receiver comprises two clamp strips 72 and 73, which are formed on forceps limb 52, preferably inte-grally. Formed in the inside wall of the two clamp strips 72 and 73 there are in each case latching teeth 74 which ~ ~ interact with corresponding latching teeth 75 on the : ~ outer surface of the locking strip 69.
:~ :
: The forceps or scissor handle according to the invention functions as follows:
For free movement of the two iorceps limbs S1 and 52, the locking device E is released by swivelling the locking strip 69 out of the engagement range of the receiver 71 via the lever 60. The latching teeth 74 are :
2~987 out of engagement with the latching teeth 75. The lever 60 is held in the corresponding position by the user, and, for example, the little finger of the user can rest in the finger hollow 70.
If the forceps limbs 51 and 52 are to be fixed in a particular relationship relative to one another, the user brings the locking strip 69 into a position in which it can enter the receiver 71. In this process, the latch-ing teeth 75 engage in the latching teeth 74. If re-quired, this locking can be canceled again by a corres-ponding pressure on the lever limb 78.
A plan view of and a cross section through the locking strip 69 is shown in Figure 14. Next to it, in cross section, is to be seen the receiver 71 and, in particular, also the latching teeth 74. Depicted above this is a cross section through the receiver 71, and discernible, in particular, is an oval internal shape which guarantees better guidance of the locking strip 69, which is oval in cross section.
In a further illustrative embodiment, it is also possible for a receiver 71a ~o be covered with a small number of latching teeth 74 only after a receiving opening 77. The corresponding cross section is likewise depicted above it in Figure 14.
Figures 15 and 16 make it clear that the locking device El can also be arranged in reverse~ that is to say that the lever 60 is situated on forceps limb 52 and the receiver 71 is situated on forceps limb 51. ~his 9 ~ 7 embodiment too is also intended to be encompassed by the inventive idea since it is equivalent to the embodiment shown in Figure 13.
However, also depicted in Figures 15 to 18 is a particularly preferred catch device Q which guarantees, on the one hand, that, during the movement of the forceps limbs 51 and 52, the connection of the pull rod 2 at the neck 56 is retained but, on the other hand, that this connection can be released in a simple manner so that removal of the pull rod from the shank tube 1 and hence cleaning of the corresponding parts is very easily possible..
For this purpose, the catch device Q preferably has a semicircular arch 80 which i9 arranged around the pivot 53. This semicircular arch 80 can also be moved around this pivot 53 in a corresponding guiding groove 81, although, as shown in Figure 17, it can be fixed in a particular use position. In this use position, a stop stud 83 protrudes as part of the semicircular arch 80 from a stop face 82 of the forceps limb 41 and thus limits a rotary motion of the forceps limb 52 to an angle wO This angle w is designed such that the driving ball 6 is still situated in a ball socket 84 in such a way that it cannot slide out of this ball socket 84. This is indicated in broken lines in Figu.re 17. In this position, the semicircular arch 80 moreover strikes at the other end of the stop stud 83 against a latching heel 85 and is thus fixed ~ecurely against rotation.
2 ~ 7 To r~lease the semicircular arch 80, it is raised via a tab 86, allowing it to travel over the latching heel 85, as illustrated in Figure 18. During this process, the stop stud 83 disappears inside the guiding groove 81 and thus no longer provides a limit for the rotary motion of forceps limb 52. For this reason, forceps limb 53 can perform a motion through the angle v, the ball socket 84 moving into a position in which the driving ball 6 can slide out of the ball socket 84. The pull rod 2 can now readily be removed from the shank tube 1. , After cleaning all the parts, it is sufficient for the pull rod 2 to be pushed into the shank tube 1, the driving ball 6 then sliding readily into the ball socket 84. Forceps limb 52 is now moved towards forceps limb 51 r closure of the two forceps limbs thus occurring.
During this process, a return stud 87 strikes the semi-circular arch 80 and pushes it together with the tab 86 into a latching position, in which the semicircular arch 80 engages behind the latching heel 85 and the stop stud 83 protrudes from the stop face 82. In the event of a now following furthex operation of the forceps limbs 51 and 52, it is impossible for the ball socket 84 to move into a position in which the driving ball slides out of the ball socket 84 by mistake.
The semicircular arch 80 can also optionally be arranged with the same function in forceps limb 52.
Formed Ln a forceps limb 52a in a further illustrative :: :
::
2 ~
embodiment of a locking device E is a recess g2 in which rests a hook 93 formed on a lever 60a. Passing through this hook 93 towards the end is a h.inge pin 61a, the hook 93 furthermore forming with the lever 60a an engagement hollow 94 into which, in the use position, a spring strip 95 engages. A front face 96 of the hook 93 is supported against this spring strip 95, the spring strip 95, which is under prestress, bringing about a movement of the lever 60a in direction x. The spring strip 95, which is fixed on the forceps limb 52a via corresponding screws 97, presses on the front face 96, with the result that the lever 6Oa rotates about the hinge pin 6la.
If the forceps limbs 51a and 52a are to be fixed in a particular relationship relative to one another, it is sufficient for the user to release his counterpressure against the spring strip 95, with the result that this spring strip 95 can rotate the lever 60a about the hinge pin 61a and the engagement tooth 103 engages in one of the locking teeth 104. This locking can be canceled again when required by a corxesponding pressure on the lever limb 68.
The hook 93 is moreover arranged in a region between the lever limb 68 and a locking strip 69. Adjoin-ing the lever limb 68 there is furthermore the finger hollow 70.
The locking strip 69a reaches through a slot 101 in the other forceps limb 51a, an upper slot edge 102 being of wedge-shaped design and forming an engagement 2 ~ g 7 tooth 103. Locking teeth 104 on the upper side of the locking strip 69a interact with this engagement tooth 103, as shown, in particular, in Figure 20.
Figuras 21 and 22 additionally show that, instead of a finger hollow on the lever limb 68, a gripping lug lOS is provided, movement of the lever limb 68 both forwards and backwards thereby being possible without relocating the finger.
Claims (27)
1. A surgical instrument, in particular for endo-scopy, having closable jaws comprising jaw parts such as forceps or scissor limbs which are fixed on a pull element, at least one jaw part forming an axis of rota-tion with the pull element and being arranged rotatably about this axis of rotation and the pull element passing through a shank tube, wherein, formed in at least one jaw part (7, 8) from outside is a recess (14, 14a), the center point (M) of which rotates about the pivot (16, 29) on the pull element (2), the recess (14, 14a) at least partially surrounding, in the use position, an annular piece (25) provided in the wall of the shank tube (1) and the jaw part (7, 8) rotating about this annular piece (25) during its closing or opening movement.
2. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recess (14) is of approximately semicircular design and forms a guiding limb (15) which engages in an opening (23) or a groove (40).
3. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 2, wherein a fork having two fork limbs (17, 18) which accommodate between them the guiding limbs (15) is formed on the pull element (2).
4. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 3, wherein a pin (16) or hinge pin (29) passes through both the fork limbs (17, 18) and the guiding limbs (15) as a pivot.
5. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 2, wherein, in the case of a fixed jaw part (8a), the said jaw part has a recess (30) for accommodating the guiding limb (15) of the movable jaw part (7) which is connected in the recess (30), via the hinge pin (29), to the fixed jaw part (8a).
6. A surgical instrument as claimed in at least one of claims 1-5, wherein the annular piece (25) is of approximately semicircular design and, from the shank-tube rim (24) forms a funnel-shaped constriction by means of a draw-in wall (27) and, towards the opening (23) or groove (40), forms a funnel-shaped enlargement by means of a sliding edge (28).
7. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 6, wherein the center point (M l) of the annular piece (25) and the center point (M) of the recess (14) coincide or lie close together in the use position, the radius (r l) of the annular piece (25) being slightly less than the radius (r) of the recess (14).
8. A surgical instrument as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the annular piece (25a) com-prises two disk-shaped elements (43), between which is arranged a pivot pin (44) which, in the use position, rests in a blind slot-like recess (14a) while the disk-shaped elements (43) are accommodated by cut-outs (45) in the jaw part (7, 8).
9. A surgical instrument as claimed in at least one of claims 1-8, wherein a guide clip (31) can be placed on the shank tube (1), said guide clip forming two hoops (32, 33) between which the jaw parts (7, 8) are accom-modated, the guide clip (31) serving for the centering of the guiding limbs (15) relative to the openings (23) or grooves (40).
10. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 8, wherein the two hoops (32, 33) are connected to one another via snap-in strips (35, 36), which have snap-in knobs (37) which snap into the openings (23) in the use position.
11. A surgical instrument as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, on the pull element (2), there is a plunger piece (4) in which is formed at least one guiding groove (41), which interacts with a guiding projection (42) in the shank tube (lb).
12. A surgical instrument as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, at the other end of the closable jaws, the pull element (2) protrudes from the shank tube (1) and is fixed releasably on a neck (56) of a forceps limb (52) or the like.
13. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 12, wherein fixed on the pull element (2) is a driving ball (6) which rests in a ball socket (84) in the neck (56) in the use position.
14. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the shank tube (2) is secured on a holding device (55) which is part of a further forceps limb (51) or the like, which is connected to forceps limb (52) via a pivot (53).
15. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 14, wherein provided on the further forceps limb (51) is a catch device (Q) which limits the movement of one forceps limb (52) in relation to the other forceps limb (51).
16. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 15, wherein provided in the forceps limb (51) is a guiding channel (81) for a semicircular arch (80) which rotates about the pivot (53) and, in an end position, projects with a stop stud (83) beyond a stop face (82).
17. A surgical instrument as claimed in claim 16, wherein in this end position the semicircular arch (80) engages releasably behind a latching heel (85).
18. A forceps or scissor handle, especially for a surgical instrument as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 17, having two forceps limbs or the like which are connected to one another in articulated fashion via a pivot, and having a locking device which fixes the two forceps limbs in relation to one another, the locking device having a locking strip which is connected in articulated fashion to one forceps limb and is opera-tively connected via locking teeth to one or more engagement teeth on the other forceps limb, wherein adjoining the locking strip (69, 69a) there is a lever limb (68), if required with a finger hollow (70) or gripping lug (105).
19. A forceps or scissor handle as claimed in claim 18, wherein the lever limb (68) projects downwards approximately at right angles from the locking strip (69, 69a).
20. A forceps or scissor handle as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the locking strip (69a) is held in engagement with at least one engagement tooth (74, 103) under the pressure of an energy accumulator (95).
21. A forceps or scissor handle as claimed in one of claims 18 to 20, wherein adjoining the locking strip (69a) is a hook (93) which is connected to forceps limb (52a) via a hinge pin (61a).
22. A forceps or scissor handle as claimed in claim 21, wherein the hook (93) rests in a recess (92) in forceps limb (52a).
23. A forceps or scissor handle as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the hook (93) forms with the locking strip (69a) an engagement hollow (94) into which an energy accumulator designed as a spring strip (95) engages.
24. A forceps or scissor handle as claimed in claim 23, wherein, towards the spring strip (95), the hook (93) forms a front face (96) against which the spring strip (95) rests.
25. A forceps or scissor handle as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the locking strip (69) is assigned a receiver (71) on the other forceps limb (52).
26. A forceps or scissor handle as claimed in claim 25, wherein the receiver (71) comprises two clamp strips (72, 73), the inner surfaces of which are covered with latching teeth (74) which interact with latching teeth (73) on the locking strip (69).
27. A forceps or scissor handle as claimed in claim 26, wherein the clamp strips (72, 73) form an internal shape (76) of oval cross section into which the locking strip (69), which is of oval cross section, engages.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE4112818 | 1991-04-19 | ||
| DEP4112818.4 | 1991-04-19 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2065987A1 true CA2065987A1 (en) | 1992-10-20 |
Family
ID=6429939
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2065987 Abandoned CA2065987A1 (en) | 1991-04-19 | 1992-04-14 | Surgical instrument |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH05115488A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2065987A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATE394995T1 (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 2008-05-15 | Stanford Res Inst Int | SURGICAL MANIPULATOR FOR A REMOTE-CONTROLLED ROBOT SYSTEM |
| US7534253B2 (en) * | 2003-12-10 | 2009-05-19 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Clevis assemblies for medical instruments and methods of manufacture of same |
| CN103747752B (en) * | 2011-03-24 | 2017-04-26 | 伊西康内外科公司 | Energy-based scissors device |
| CA2956459C (en) | 2014-07-28 | 2017-11-21 | Teleflex Medical Incorporated | Needlescopic scissor end effector |
| WO2021220517A1 (en) * | 2020-05-01 | 2021-11-04 | オリンパス株式会社 | Treatment tool, assembly method for treatment tool, disassembly method for treatment tool |
-
1992
- 1992-04-14 CA CA 2065987 patent/CA2065987A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-04-17 JP JP4097772A patent/JPH05115488A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH05115488A (en) | 1993-05-14 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |