DE102022112286A1 - Thumb ring device, surgical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thumb ring device for a surgical instrument, in particular a resectoscope, with a thumb ring element for receiving a thumb, the thumb ring element having a fastening extension, a shaft element which is designed to fasten the thumb ring element and can be kinematically coupled to a base of the surgical instrument, and a latching device coupled to the shaft element, which can be operated from outside the shaft element, wherein the fastening extension can be connected to the shaft element by the latching device in such a way that the thumb ring element is axially movable with respect to the shaft element in a released state and in at least two different axial latching positions in one locked state can be fixed. The present invention further relates to a surgical instrument, in particular a resectoscope, with a thumb ring device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a thumb ring device for a surgical instrument, in particular a resectoscope. The invention further relates to a surgical instrument, in particular a resectoscope, with such a thumb ring device.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Surgical instruments are used for different surgical applications. For example, these can be used in the area of minimally invasive operations and have a surgical tool. Such surgical instruments can be designed as a resectoscope and have a working element that is designed, for example, to guide the surgical tool, such as an electrode.

Resectoscopes are particularly known for urological or gynecological applications. The working element with the electrode can be inserted into the body of a patient through the urethra to an operating area. At a distal end (i.e. remote from the user), the electrode has, for example, a cutting loop by means of which tissue can be removed.

The surgical instrument has a handle to guide the tool, for example the electrode. The handle comprises a carriage which is mounted displaceably along a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument and is connected to the surgical tool.

So that a user can move the carriage relative to a location to be operated on, a first handle part, a second handle part and a connecting mechanism are provided. The first and second handle parts can be moved relative to one another in the axial direction of the surgical instrument by the connecting mechanism. The first handle part is connected to the body of the handle, which is fixed relative to the shaft, while the second handle part is designed for axial displacement of the carriage. By means of an axial relative movement of the second handle part relative to the first handle part, the carriage can be displaced relative to the body of the handle and the shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis. If an electrode is inserted into the working element and the proximal end of the at least one lead of the electrode is fixed in the carriage, the cutting loop of the electrode can be displaced in the axial direction by axially moving the second handle part relative to the first handle part.

The second handle part has a thumb ring through which the thumb of a user or surgeon can be guided. The first handle part has a finger ring and is designed to hold the remaining fingers, at least one middle and/or ring finger. A surgical instrument with such a handle is, for example, in the DE 10 2017 114 449 A1 described.

The disadvantage is that the handle cannot be adjusted for different hand sizes. However, in order to ensure safe and desired or comfortable operability, it is desirable to enable an ergonomic adjustment of the handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of specifying an improved thumb ring device.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a thumb ring device with the features of patent claim 1 and by a surgical instrument with the features of patent claim 14.

• - Eine Daumenringvorrichtung für ein chirurgisches Instrument, insbesondere ein Resektoskop, mit einem Daumenringelement zur Aufnahme eines Daumens, wobei das Daumenringelement einen Befestigungsfortsatz aufweist, mit einem Schaftelement, das zur Befestigung des Daumenringelements ausgebildet und mit einer Basis des chirurgischen Instruments kinematisch koppelbar ist, und mit einer mit dem Schaftelement gekoppelten Rasteinrichtung, die von außerhalb des Schaftelements bedienbar ist, wobei der Befestigungsfortsatz durch die Rasteinrichtung derart mit dem Schaftelement verbindbar ist, dass das Daumenringelement in einem gelösten Zustand axial bezüglich des Schaftelements bewegbar und in zumindest zwei verschiedenen axialen Rastpositionen in einem verrasteten Zustand fixierbar ist.
• - Ein chirurgisches Instrument, insbesondere Resektoskop, mit einer Daumenringvorrichtung, wobei ein Abstand zwischen dem Daumenringelement und der Basis über die verschiedenen axialen Rastpositionen derart veränderbar ist, dass das chirurgische Instrument auf unterschiedliche Handgrößen einstellbar ist.

Accordingly it is provided:

• - A thumb ring device for a surgical instrument, in particular a resectoscope, with a thumb ring element for receiving a thumb, the thumb ring element having a fastening extension, with a shaft element which is designed to fasten the thumb ring element and can be kinematically coupled to a base of the surgical instrument, and with a latching device coupled to the shaft element, which can be operated from outside the shaft element, wherein the fastening extension can be connected to the shaft element through the latching device in such a way that the thumb ring element can be moved axially with respect to the shaft element in a released state and in a locked position in at least two different axial latching positions Condition can be fixed.
• - A surgical instrument, in particular a resectoscope, with a thumb ring device, wherein a distance between the thumb ring element and the base can be changed via the different axial locking positions in such a way that the surgical instrument can be adjusted to different hand sizes.

It is possible for the thumb ring to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft element.

The finding underlying the present invention is that a distance between the thumb ring and the finger ring can be designed to be variable in order to enable the handle to be ergonomically adapted to different hand sizes and thereby increase safety during operations.

The idea underlying the present invention is to arrange the thumb ring slidably on the connecting mechanism in order to be able to change the distance between the first and the second grip element, and thus between the thumb ring and the finger ring. This is made possible by the thumb ring device with a thumb ring that is mounted so that it can be displaced relative to a shaft element. The distance between the thumb ring and the finger ring is therefore no longer predetermined by the connection mechanism, as was previously the case, but can be adjusted to the ergonomic needs of a user or surgeon.

In addition, with such a thumb ring device, an exchange of the thumb ring is also possible, so that, for example, thumb rings of different sizes and/or contours can be used on a surgical instrument.

Furthermore, it is advantageously possible in this way to fix the thumb ring in different distance positions from the finger ring in at least two locking positions, so that the thumb ring can be held at at least two predetermined distances relative to the finger ring.

It is also conceivable to enable continuous axial adjustment and locking or clamping of the thumb ring element on the shaft element. This can be formed, for example, in an area between the at least two latching positions.

The thumb ring element can have different configurations and is in particular ring-shaped with a passage for a thumb to reach through. Ring-shaped is understood to mean in particular a ring that is at least partially elliptical or circular, in particular also guided around a corner in a different way. It does not necessarily have to be a closed ring; a sectional opening of the thumb ring element would also be conceivable. The thumb ring element also has a fastening extension on one side, which forms, for example, a type of coupling element.

A fastening extension is to be understood as a substantially pin-shaped element which is connected, in particular in one piece, to the remaining thumb ring element. The fastening extension serves to fix the thumb ring element on a handle of a surgical instrument. Furthermore, a shaft element is provided which serves to axially guide and accommodate the fastening extension in a predetermined aligned position. This allows the thumb ring element to be arranged at a desired distance from a finger ring.

The shaft element is preferably firmly fixed to a base of the surgical instrument. In particular, the shaft element is fixed to a connecting mechanism of the handle. Preferably, the shaft element can be connected to the base in a cohesive and/or form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, for example glued and/or clamped. Likewise, the shaft element can be screwed and/or clipped to the base.

A locking device is coupled to the shaft element in order to fix the thumb ring element to the shaft element. The locking device can be operated from outside the shaft element. This means that an operator can reach the locking device when holding the surgical instrument in his hand. This allows the distance between the thumb ring element and a finger ring to be adjusted to personal needs without tools before using the surgical instrument.

An axial locking position is to be understood as a predetermined relative position between the thumb ring element and the shaft element. The fastening extension can be held in different positions relative to the shaft element with the aid of the latching device in order to adjust the distance between the thumb ring element and the finger ring element and to form the latched state.

In the released state, the fastening extension can be released by the locking device, whereby the thumb ring element can be moved relative to the shaft element or displaced along the shaft element.

The fastening extension advantageously locks into the shaft element when the locking device is in an unloaded state.

Advantageous refinements and further developments result from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the shaft element can be sleeve-shaped. For example, the shaft element can have an internal geometry that is adapted to a largest external diameter of the fastening extension. This allows the fastening extension to be guided in the shaft element without wobbling and with minimal play. Advantageously, the shaft element is at least as long as the fastening extension, so that the shaft element can completely accommodate the fastening extension. Sufficient stability for the thumb ring element can also be achieved in this way.

According to a further development, the latching device can be movably arranged on the shaft element. Advantageously, the released or locked state is achieved by moving the locking device relative to the shaft element. The locking element is preferably guided through a recess in the shaft element. At the same time, the locking element is preferably held by the fastening extension in such a way that the locking device is held captively in the shaft element. This is achieved in particular in that the fastening extension is held in a recess in the locking device.

According to one embodiment, the latching device can be movable substantially transversely to the axial direction of the shaft element. Essentially transverse in this case means that the locking device is not moved parallel to the axial direction of the shaft element in order to release or fix the fastening extension. Therefore, the movement of the locking device takes place at least at an angle not equal to 180° with respect to the axial direction of the shaft element. In particular, the latching device can be movable approximately orthogonally or orthogonally to the axial direction of the shaft element. In this way, it is advantageous to operate the locking device from a position below or above the shaft element. This is particularly advantageous if the thumb ring element is to be adjusted when the surgical instrument is already being held in the hand.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the latching device can be designed to be automatically resettable via at least one restoring element, in particular an elastic element. In this way, an automatic reset from the released position to the locked position is advantageously possible. This ensures that the thumb ring element is always held in a latching position when the latching device is unloaded. The elastic element can be designed as a return spring. It may also contain a rubber material. In one embodiment, two, in particular independent or redundant, return springs can be provided, so that if one of the springs is defective, locking and thus the locking of the thumb ring element can still be ensured.

According to a preferred embodiment, the restoring element can be mounted within the shaft element and supported against a contact area on a wall region of the shaft element. A contact area can be a section of an inner wall of the shaft element. In particular, the contact area is designed to be set back relative to adjacent inner wall sections, so that the restoring element can be held in position in a type of recess.

According to a preferred embodiment, the latching device can have an operating section for manual operation, which can be operated from outside the shaft element and is arranged on the latching device opposite the restoring element. The operating section is preferably designed in one piece with the locking device. The operating section can be designed as a section of a surface of the latching device that can be contacted by an operator. This can be achieved by pressing the operating section up or down, whereby the locking device is also displaced, in particular in the same direction.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking device can have a ring element which is guided within the shaft element and surrounds the fastening extension. The ring element is preferably designed to be self-resetting when it experiences a relative displacement with respect to the shaft element. In particular, the ring element can be guided in a spring-biased manner, for example through contact with the restoring element. The ring element is preferably mounted eccentrically with respect to the shaft element when the latter is in an unloaded and therefore locked state. This ensures that the fastening extension is clamped by the ring element. This means that the position of a central axis of the shaft element in a locked state preferably does not correspond to the position of a central axis of the ring element.

According to a further development, the restoring element can be subjected to a prestressing force through contact with the ring element. In particular, the ring element can be moved into an end position in which a maximum preload force is exerted on the restoring element. This may be the position in which the attachment extension can be moved freely within the shaft element in order to change to the desired locking position.

According to one embodiment, the fastening extension can have at least two recesses for defining the latching positions, which are designed to engage with the latching device and are arranged axially offset from one another. The intervention can create a locked state. However, if there is no intervention, a released state is created.

In an advantageous embodiment, the depressions can each run in a ring shape around the fastening extension and can be arranged at a distance from one another with a shoulder. The two depressions are preferably formed circumferentially around the fastening extension. In particular, the ring element or the latching device can be in contact with a peripheral portion of a surface of the recess in order to form the latched state and once without contact with the surface of the recess in order to form the released state. In this way, in an end position, there can be no contact between the fastening extension and the locking device and the fastening extension can therefore be moved.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a final latching position can be provided at an end of the fastening extension facing away from the thumb ring element, with an associated final latching recess being designed as an axial stop of the fastening extension. The final locking position prevents the fastening extension from falling out of the shaft element. Likewise, the final locking recess can form a further locking position or one of the at least two locking positions.

According to an advantageous embodiment, an end locking stop can be provided on the shaft element, which can be contacted with the end locking recess in the final locking position. In this way, the fastening extension can be prevented from being completely pulled out of the shaft element. The end locking stop is preferably arranged in an area in which the locking device also runs on or in the shaft element. In particular, the end locking stop does not prevent the fastening extension from relative movement within the shaft, which is necessary to reach the locking positions.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the surgical instrument, the thumb ring element can be designed to be detachable from the shaft element from the surgical instrument. For this purpose, the fastening extension can be removed from the shaft element. This is particularly advantageous when thumb rings of different sizes have to be used to ensure safe working. This can be the case with different hand sizes combined with different finger sizes or thumb circumferences. In particular, the thumb ring element can be cleaned after removal and then reused.

The above configurations and further developments can be combined with one another in any way, if it makes sense. Further possible refinements, further developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

• 1 ein chirurgisches Instrument mit einer Daumenringvorrichtung;
• 2 eine Ausführungsform einer Daumenringvorrichtung;
• 3 eine Schnittdarstellung der Daumenringvorrichtung aus 2;
• 4 eine Schnittdarstellung durch einen Befestigungsfortsatz; und
• 5 eine Ausführungsform eines Ringelements.

The present invention is explained in more detail below using the exemplary embodiments given in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

• 1 a surgical instrument with a thumb ring device;
• 2 an embodiment of a thumb ring device;
• 3 a sectional view of the thumb ring device 2 ;
• 4 a sectional view through a fastening extension; and
• 5 an embodiment of a ring element.

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in connection with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned arise with regard to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale to one another.

In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and identically acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference numerals.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a surgical instrument 2 with a thumb ring device 1. The thumb ring device 1 is arranged on a base 7 of the surgical instrument 2. The base 7 forms a handle that connects the thumb ring device 1 to a finger ring 22 via a connecting mechanism. The finger ring 22 and the thumb ring device 1 can be displaced relative to one another when the surgical instrument 2 is operated. This allows a surgical tool, such as an electrode, to be moved.

2 shows an embodiment of a thumb ring device 1 in an isometric view. A thumb ring element 4 is attached to a shaft element 6. This is done via a locking device 9, which has an operating area 12 that can be reached from outside the shaft element 6. A projection 17 is formed opposite the operating area 12. This can be arranged on the shaft element 6 for purely aesthetic reasons. The shaft element 6 is connected to a base 7, in particular a part of the handle. The surgical instrument 2 can in particular be a resectoscope 3, as in 1 shown.

The thumb ring element 4 is connected to the shaft element 6 via a fastening extension 5 (not visible in this illustration). In the embodiment shown, the thumb ring element 4 is circular in sections and elliptical in sections. Other ring-shaped geometries are also conceivable.

The fastening extension 5 is in the sectional view 3 recognizable. Through the fastening extension 5, the thumb ring element 4 can be displaced relative to the shaft element 6 along a longitudinal axis 21.

The thumb ring element 4 is in the embodiment according to 3 connected to the fastening extension 5 via a clamp connection. In an embodiment not shown, the thumb ring element 4 can be formed in one piece with the fastening extension 5.

The fastening extension 5 is shaped like a pin with several depressions 14. The depressions 14 are arranged at a distance from one another along the longitudinal axis 21, so that two depressions 14 are separated by a shoulder. In the embodiment shown, the depressions 14 are formed in a ring shape around the fastening extension 5. It is also conceivable that the depressions 14 are formed only in a partial area along an outer circumference, which is arranged in the area of a latching device 9.

The latching device 9 is coupled to the shaft element 6 and can be reached by an operator from outside the shaft element 6. As a result, the locking device 9 can be operated without tools and without loosening individual components of the thumb ring device 1. The distance between the finger ring and the thumb ring element 4 can therefore be adjusted individually at any time.

The fastening extension 5 is connected to the shaft element 6 by the locking device 9 in such a way that the thumb ring element 4 can be moved axially with respect to the shaft element 6 in a released state and can be fixed in a locked state in three different axial locking positions 8a, 8b, 8c. As a result, the thumb ring element 4 can be kinematically coupled to a base 7 of the surgical instrument 2.

The shaft element 6 is sleeve-shaped in this embodiment. The fastening extension 5 is guided within the sleeve-shaped shaft element 6. The shaft element 6 has a slot-shaped recess on one side through which the locking device 9 is guided. As a result, the locking device can be reached from outside the shaft element 6.

The latching device 9 is aligned and movable essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis 21. Accordingly, a direction of movement of the locking device 9 is unequal to a direction of movement of the fastening extension 5, see the different arrow directions in 2 . The fastening extension 5 can be fixed within the shaft element 6 by moving the locking device 9.

A restoring element 10 is contacted in a partial area with the latching device 9 and is stored or held in a wall area 16 of the shaft element 6. In particular, the restoring element 10, for example an elastic element 11, is supported against a contact area 15.

By moving the locking device 10 upwards in the illustration, the restoring element 10 is prestressed and the locking device 9 releases the fastening extension 5. The fastening extension can then be brought into the desired position along the longitudinal axis 21, so that one of the locking positions 8a-8c can be locked with the locking device 9. The locked state is achieved by releasing the locking device 9 and due to the restoring force of the restoring element 10 in the illustration is moved downwards. By contacting the locking device 9 with a partial area of the recess 14, shown in the illustration in an upper area of the fastening extension 5, the locking device 9 hooks into the recess 14, whereby the thumb ring element is kinematically coupled in the shaft element 6.

At the left end in the illustration, the fastening extension 5 has an end locking recess 19, which can be contacted with an end locking stop 20 on an inside of the shaft element 6. As a result, the thumb ring element 4 can be prevented from falling out of the fastening extension 5. The final locking stop 20 is preferably arranged in an area close to the locking device 9, so the final locking recess 19 can simultaneously form a depression 14 for a locking position, in this embodiment the locking position 8a.

4 shows a sectional view through the fastening extension 5. In this embodiment, two restoring elements 10 are provided, so that if a restoring element 10 fails or is defective, there is redundancy. In the illustration, the locking device 9 has a ring element 13 which is pressed upwards and is therefore shown in a prestressed position. Consequently, the locking device is not in contact with the recess 14 in an upper portion, so that the fastening extension 5 can be moved to any position, which in the illustration corresponds to a movement of the fastening extension 5 out of the image plane or into the image plane.

5 shows an embodiment of the ring element 13. It is crucial that this is designed with a hole. The external geometry, ie the shape of the outer circumference, can be chosen arbitrarily and adapted to the shape of the inner surface of the shaft element 6. In particular, the operating area 12 can be formed as a kind of extension on a side section of the latching device 9.

Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not limited to this but can be modified in a variety of ways.

For example, the latching device 6 can have a geometry that deviates from the embodiment shown. The number of locking positions can also vary and adapt to different needs, i.e. H. can be adapted to different required movement options for different hand sizes. Overall, the ergonomics of a working element of a surgical instrument, in particular a resectoscope, can therefore be improved.

Reference symbol list

1

Thumb ring device

2

surgical instrument

3

resectoscope

4

Thumb ring element

5

Attachment process

6

Shaft element

7

Base

8th

Rest position

9

Rest facility

10

Restoring element

11

elastic element

12

Operating area

13

Ring element

14

deepening

15

Contact area

16

Wall area

17

Got over

19

Final locking recess

20

Final stop

21

Longitudinal axis

22

Finger ring

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102017114449 A1 [0006]

Claims (15)

Thumb ring device (1) for a surgical instrument (2), in particular a resectoscope (3), with: a thumb ring element (4) for receiving a thumb, the thumb ring element (4) having a fastening extension (5); a shaft element (6) which is designed to attach the thumb ring element and can be kinematically coupled to a base (7) of the surgical instrument (2); and a latching device (9) coupled to the shaft element (6), which can be operated from outside the shaft element (6), the fastening extension (5) being connectable to the shaft element (6) by the latching device (9) in such a way that the thumb ring element ( 4) can be moved axially with respect to the shaft element (6) in a released state and can be fixed in a locked state in at least two different axial locking positions (8). Thumb ring device (1). Claim 1 , characterized in that the shaft element (6) is sleeve-shaped. Thumb ring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching device (9) is movably arranged on the shaft element (6). Thumb ring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching device (9) is movable substantially transversely to the axial direction of the shaft element (6). Thumb ring device (1) according to one of the Claims 3 or 4 , characterized in that the latching device (9) is designed to be automatically resettable via at least one restoring element (10), in particular an elastic element (11). Thumb ring device (1). Claim 5 , characterized in that the restoring element (10) is mounted within the shaft element (6) and is supported against a contact region (15) on a wall region (16) of the shaft element (6). Thumb ring device (1) according to one Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the latching device (9) has an operating section (12) for manual operation, which can be operated from outside the shaft element (6) and is arranged on the latching device (9) opposite the restoring element (10). Thumb ring device (1) according to one of the Claims 5 until 7 , characterized in that the locking device (9) has a ring element (13) which is guided within the shaft element (6) and surrounds the fastening extension (5). Thumb ring device (1). Claim 8 , characterized in that the restoring element (10) is subjected to a prestressing force through contact with the ring element (13). Thumb ring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening extension (5) for defining the latching positions (8) has at least two recesses (14) which are designed to engage with the latching device (9) and are arranged axially offset from one another . Thumb ring device (1). Claim 10 , characterized in that the depressions (14) each run in a ring shape around the fastening extension (5) and are arranged at a distance from one another with a shoulder. Thumb ring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end locking position is provided at an end of the fastening extension (5) facing away from the thumb ring element (4), an associated end locking recess (19) being designed as an axial stop of the fastening extension (5). . Thumb ring device (1). Claim 12 , characterized in that an end locking stop (20) is provided on the shaft element (6), which can be contacted with the end locking recess (19) in the final locking position. Surgical instrument (2), in particular resectoscope (3), with a thumb ring device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 13 , wherein a distance between the thumb ring element (4) and the base (7) can be changed via the different axial locking positions (8) in such a way that the surgical instrument (2) can be adjusted to different hand sizes. Surgical instrument (2) after Claim 14 , characterized in that the thumb ring element (4) is designed to be detachable from the shaft element (6).

Images