WO2008068741A2

WO2008068741A2 - Disposable medical instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2008068741A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/001464
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Porat
Original assignee: Michael Porat
Priority date: 2006-12-03
Filing date: 2007-11-27
Publication date: 2008-06-12
Also published as: WO2008068741A3; WO2008068741A9; IL179780A0

Abstract

The present invention discloses a medical instrument, made of plastic injectable material, consisting of two main parts; a fixed longitudinal track with two jaws fixed to its front end, the point of connection at the pivot place of the two jaws is flexible and there is a type of handle on the other end; a moving part along the longitudinal track, its front end is combined with one of the jaws of the fixed part, if connected to the upper jaw, then, by sliding the moving part forward, the jaws close and by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws open, if connected to the lower jaw, by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws close, and by sliding the moving part forwards, the jaws open. The invention also presents methods of operating the plastic medical instrument.

Description

DISPOSABLE MEDICAL INSTRUMENT

Field of the invention

The present invention generally pertains to a disposable medical instrument, and especially to a two-part medical instrument, made of plastic injectable materials, having one or more maneuverable jaws.

Background of the invention

Treatments within body cavities require special medical instruments. Procedures are performed deep inside the cavity where maneuvering and movement of common medical instruments such as scissors, forceps, clamps etc within a confined space is limited. Orthoscopy instruments are used to serve this purpose. The use of conventional re-usable instruments for transient treatment is inefficient and expensive. Even after re-sterilization, they do not completely eliminate the risk of Cross Infection between patients. To avoid Cross Infection, the use of plastic medical instruments, known as Disposable Instrument is common medical practice. Regular commonly used medical instruments, such as scissors, clamps, forceps etc. characterized by two arms in an "X" position with a rivet at their pivot are difficult to operate within the cavities, as they require space for opening the front jaws of the instrument. They are inaccurate due to the fact that the pivot is distant from the operating site and their flexibility prevents accurate closing.

The object of the following invention, introduces disposable instruments, made mainly of plastic that can operate deep within cavities, without needing the space required for current disposable instruments. The force used to close the jaws of the instrument, is fully transferred to the jaws in an accurate movement, with minimal flexibility due to the short distance between the pivot and the end of the instrument jaws.

Description of the invention

The instruments are similar to medical instruments used in orthoscopy procedures. However, the proposed instruments are characterized by being made of plastic material, in contrast to the expensive stainless steel or other expensive precious metals from which these reusable instruments are made. The basic idea is that the force is transferred to the jaws, not in a scissors-like manner, but by pushing a moving part in a fixed part with two jaws at its end. Unlike reusable instruments, the rear part of the invention has no separate independent pivot rivet, and in most cases, the front pivot rivets are used only to combine independent parts such as blades to perform a better cut than with plastic materials. In addition, the pivot rivet provides a better and smoother movement of independent parts.

The basic idea in our invention is to use a fixed longitudinal track of U profile structure, or tube, with two jaws fixed to its end. A moving part moves/slides along the longitudinal track, and its end is combined with the upper jaw. By sliding the moving part forward, the jaws close. By sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws open. Alternatively, if the moving part is connected to the lower jaw, by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws close, and by sliding the moving part forwards, the jaws open. Being a straight compact instrument, the physician's visibility is not blocked, unlike with other bulkier scissors-like disposable instruments that impair visibility.

The device is made from flexible plastic that can be injected into molds. Suitable common plastics that can be used for the instrument are; polypropylene, polyamide, acetal, rigid polyethylene, and any other high impact plastic materials that are flexible and do not break when bent.

The major difference and novelty pertaining to our invention lies in the fact that reusable instruments are manufactured of many parts, whilst our device/instrument, made of plastics, consists of two major parts:- the fixed part, including jaws and the moving part, including spring mechanism. Only if/when necessary, different blades or rivets are added - and in any event, even then, the pushing and housing mechanisms are novel and different from those in reusable instruments.

Description of the drawings

Fig. I is a side view of one of the instruments including two cross section cuts of the instrument. This instrument is to clasp and withdraw membranes deep in the cavity.

Fig. II is a similar instrument to Fig. I, but where the jaws act as forceps;

Fig. Ill is the end of the instrument for use as forceps, but with different jaws, so that when closed, the lower and upper jaws ends are in line with the instrument; Fig. IV is a side view of the fixed part of our invention, with cross section 4a showing where the moving part can slide;

Fig. V is a side view of the moving part of our invention, with cross section 4b fitting into section 4a of the fixed part;

Fig. VI is a rear view of the thumb space in the moving part of Fig. V with a cross section cut in the place of the moving part;

Fig. VII is an upper view of another embodiment of our invention. In this drawing the moving part is operated in a "syringe manner", with no handle to be grasped by the fingers of the physician;

Fig. VIlI is a side view of the two parts of Fig. VlI, and two optic fibers placed in the cross section;

Fig. IX is a side view of three continuous positions of a male punch that enters, or cuts into a female embodiment fitted to the male moving part;

Fig. X is an enlargement of the male punch and an upper view of the female base in Fig. IX.

Fig. XI is a side view of our invention with cutting blades to act like scissors in an "open" and "closed" position, and a different rear handle for the fixed and the moving part;

Fig. XII is another handle for the fixed and moving part; Fig. XIII is a trigger to lift the ratchet device;

Fig. XIV is an upper and a side view of the rivet connection between the fixed part and the moving part;

Fig. XV is a method to connect the moving part to the upper jaw;

Fig. XVI is another method to connect the moving part to the upper jaw; and,

Fig. XVII is a view of our invention with one cutting blade.

Detailed description of the invention

It is in the scope of the invention, wherein a medical instrument, made of plastic injectable material, is disclosed. The instrument comprises of two main parts; a fixed longitudinal track with two jaws fixed to its front end, the point of connection at the pivot place of the two jaws is flexible and there is a type of handle on the other end; a moving part along the longitudinal track, its front end is combined with one of the jaws of the fixed part, if connected to the upper jaw, then, by sliding the moving part forward, the jaws close and by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws open, if connected to the lower jaw, by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws close, and by sliding the moving part forwards, the jaws open.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the aforesaid medical instrument is adapted in a manner that its front jaws designed as various forceps jaws, or as two sharp edges as in tenaculum forceps, or as scissors cutting blades, or as one blade scissors, or as biopsy punch.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the aforesaid medical instrument is adapted in a manner that with a handle at its rear end; the handle grasped digitally, with the thumb or closed fist being used to push the moving part forward, or with a handle at its rear end used in the same manner as a syringe piston.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the aforesaid medical instrument is adapted in a manner that with a spring that pushes back the moving part to open the front jaws.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the aforesaid medical instrument is adapted in a manner that it is equipped with inner notches and grooves in the fixed and moving part opposite each other, acting in a ratchet manner.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the aforesaid medical instrument is adapted in a manner that with a trigger for releasing the ratchet mechanism.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the aforesaid medical instrument is adapted in a manner that it is made mainly of one of the following plastics; polypropylene or polyamide or acetal or rigid polyethylene or any other high impact flexible plastic that does not break when bent.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the aforesaid medical instrument is adapted in a manner that it is fitted with optical fiber or more than one optical fiber.

It is still in the scope of the invention to disclose a method for operating a plastic medical instrument consisting of two main parts. The method comprising steps of obtaining a fixed longitudinal track with two jaws fixed to its front end that are flexible at the point of connection and a type of handle at the other end; providing a moving part along the longitudinal track, its front end combined with one of the jaws of the fixed part, wherein when connected to the upper jaw, sliding the moving part forward, closes the jaws and by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws open, when connected to the lower jaw. by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws close, and by sliding the moving part forwards, the jaws open.

It is lastly in the scope of the invention to disclose a method for operating a plastic medical instrument consisting of two main parts. The method comprising steps of obtaining a fixed longitudinal track with two jaws fixed to its front end that is equipped with inner notches and grooves and a type of handle on the other end; and providing a moving part moves along the longitudinal track, its front end combined with one of the jaws of the fixed part and with inner notches and grooves to match the fixed part inner notches and grooves, and with a spring that causes the moving part to move backwards; by sliding the moving part forward or backwards, the jaws close and the spring is compressed and the inner notches and grooves fit into the opposite side as in a ratchet device; by releasing the ratchet device the spring slides the moving part backwards, thus opening the jaws.

A fixed part (Ia in Fig. IV) with flexible front jaws (12) that are flexible at the point of connection (14a) with an extension (10a) on the upper jaw near the connection. Alternatively, the extension (10a) can be located at the lower jaw, (not illustrated). In the extension, there is a standing pinlock (Fig. XIV 27) to fit the hole (10b) of Fig. V (an upper view when closed is seen in Fig. XIV 28, or on Fig. XVI 30 in a different connection type). The cross section (4a) of (I a) shows the place into which the moving part (Ib) as shown in Fig. V is fitted. Alternatively, the moving part can be fitted to the lower jaw (not illustrated). If the moving part is connected to the upper jaw, by sliding it forward, the jaws close, and by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws open. Another alternative is if the moving part is connected to the lower jaw, then, by sliding it backwards, the jaws close, and by sliding it forwards, the jaws open. The rear handle (2) has an extension (8a) with a hole (8c) to align with the standing pinlock (8d) in section (8b) (the pinlock can be seen in Fig. XIV 27) in the spring of the moving part in Fig. V. (remark: the connecting alignments can be in contrary differing parts.)

The fixed part (Ia) is fitted with a notch and a hole (9a) to match the notch and the extension (9b) of (I b) in Fig. V. These notches and extensions act in a ratchet manner to prevent the return of the moving part. When the handle (1 1 ) of Fig. V is lifted, the ratchet releases and the moving part can return. The ratchet devices can be placed in the upper part of the fixed and moving parts as shown in (9) of Fig. I and Fig. II.

The moving part (I b) in Fig. V, shown in cross section (4b) is a little smaller in size (4b) than the cross section (4a) in (Ia) so that it ca forwards and backwards within the fixed part. The rear part of the moving part (1 c) reduces in size or narrows down, to allow the upward and downward movement in the fixed part, enabling the release of the ratchet device as explained above. The moving part is fixed to the fixed part in two places, in part (10b) to part (10a) in Fig. IV, and part (8b) to part (8a) in Fig. IV. The two connections are fitted in a snap action permitting the joints to act like pivots as well as preventing them from coming apart. Detailed connection drawings on Fig XV at 29 or Fig. XVI 30. Another way is shown in Fig. XIV (28) from upper view and (27) in the cross section, by making a slit in the center of the pivot with a lower Hp space at their end, so that when entering the ring of the other part, they close to allow passage through the ring, and later return to their original size. The lower lip space prevents them from coming out. Position (8) and (10) can also be replaced by independent rivets, but this will increase production costs with no benefit to the performance of the device. The connection of the moving part should preferably be connected to the upper jaw, but it can be connected to the lower jaw if so designed.

The rear part of the moving part that is made from plastic is shaped in a spring design (15), with a small notch near the thumb space (1 1 ) to enable easier bending of the flexible plastic material. This design acts as a spring that resists the forward movement, with the return reflex to its original position. The device will work also without a spring, in this case it is suggested that the rear end of the moving part will have a loop to pull back the moving part, (not illustrated).

The moving part is placed into the fixed part as explained above in Fig. XIV and presented in Fig. I (8) and (10). When the user pushes with his thumb, part (5 of Fig. I) forwards, the other end of the moving part pushes the upper jaw forwards forcing its closure. The spring on the rear part forces the moving part to return, thus opening the jaws. The ratchet parts (9), whether they are on the upper part or the lower part at the rear of the device, will stop the moving part from moving backwards. When the user intends the jaws to open, he will release the ratchet by lifting the handle (5) upwards if the ratchet is in the lower part of the device, or downwards, if the ratchet is in the upper part of the device. When the ratchet is released, the moving part is forced backwards by the spring pulling the upper jaw in the front, thus opening the jaws.

If the device is used as scissors or biopsy punch, there is no necessity for ratchet devices, although if required, they can be positioned as explained above.

The jaw parts of the device can be shaped as in (3) of Fig. I to clasp and withdraw membranes in the cavities replacing the Λ urn forceps. They can be shaped as forceps (12) as shown in Fig. II, or forceps as shown in (13) in Fig. III. The jaws can be shaped as oval rings (not shown) commonly used to grasp sponges in medical procedures.

The jaws can be scissor blades to cut threads or tissues in the cavities as shown in (22) of Fig. XI, or (23) while in the closed position as shown in Fig. XI.

The jaws can be fitted with only one blade (31) , as shown in Fig. XVII. In this method of cutting with one blade, the use of an anvil opposite the blade is known in the art. We suggest an anvil (34) of any shape. The anvil can be straight, or shaped so that it tapers downwards to the front, as shown in the aerial view of the anvil (35), and strengthened as shown in the cross section (32). The lower part of the jaw or anvil can be strengthened by means of a keel (7) to prevent flexibility. A protective frame (33) can be fitted around the blade as a safety precaution.

The jaws can be shaped for punching tissue to perform tissue biopsy as shown in the various positions (16) (17) and (18) in Fig. IX. If the device is used for tissue biopsy, a protrusion (25) like a needle can be added in the front of the lower part to hold the tissue in place during punching. In Fig. X, we see the female (20) of the lower jaw in the fixed part, and the upper jaw acting as the punch (19) that enters the cavity (20) when the moving part moves forwards.

The rear part of the device can be a handle that is grasped by the fingers in which the thumb pushes the moving part forward and releases the ratchet device, while the other fingers hold the fixed part, aiming it at the treatment site.

Various types of handles and springs can be used; some of them are shown in Fig. I that includes a place for the little finger (6), or Fig. II, or Fig. XI and Fig. XII. The fingers, except the thumb are partially in a frame, or all in a frame, or without a frame as in Fig. XI or Fig. XII in which the palm of the hand supports the fixed part, and the other fingers move the moving part with a closed fist.

Another way to operate the device without a handle is to use it as a syringe (Fig. VII and Fig VIII). In this way the fixed part has a surface protruding at the rear where it is grasped by at least two fingers, and the thumb pushes the moving part forwards to close the front jaws. The spring (15a) will resist the closing position, pulling back the moving part, opening the jaws. This syringe type is a little more difficult to control and adjust inside the cavity, but is less expensive in material costs due to its lighter weight. For easier release of the ratchet, a small trigger as in Fig. XIII (26) can be attached at the handle. To release the ratchet, the user pulls the trigger that lifts the moving part upwards and releases it from its grasp.

All the above instruments can be sterilized by most methods of sterilization depending on the melting point of the plastic ingredient. Polyamide and Acetal will withstand steam sterilization and other methods known as "cold sterilization" like Gamma Rays, E.T.O (exposing to Ethylene Oxide), Beam Rays etc. Low melting plastics that melt under 15O⁰C can be sterilized only by means of "cold sterilization". All the instruments can be supplied sterile or non sterile, as required.

The forces required to lock and unlock the jaws are minimal, therefore, the outer diameter of the moving part (Ib) is minimal. This leaves sufficient place in part (Ia), whether in U shape or as a tube, for insertion of optical fibers Fig. VIIl (31) extending along the instrument. The optical fibers run along the moving part through the fixed part protruding from both ends. Through these optical fibers light can be transferred from the rear part to the front of the instrument illuminating the working area in the cavity. The optical fiber can be connected to a camera showing the illuminated site. The camera can be connected to a screen for enlarging and showing a detailed view of the site.

The above described mechanisms of fiber optic fibers accessories are expensive. Consequently, as our invention relates to disposable instrument, we suggest using optic fibers that are relatively inexpensive with bayonet connectors (or any other mechanism known to connect optic fibers), at the rear end, for connection to a light source extension and/or camera device as explained before. There will be an initial one time investment in the reusable lighting and/or camera apparatus, and for treatment inside the cavities the disposable instruments as per our invention can be used. Instruments with the optic fibers can be sterilized by most methods of sterilization.

Claims

Claims:

1. Medical instrument, made of plastic injectable material, consisting of two main parts; a fixed longitudinal track with two jaws fixed to its front end, the point of connection at the pivot place of the two jaws is flexible and there is a type of handle on the other end; a moving part along the longitudinal track, its front end is combined with one of the jaws of the fixed part, if connected to the upper jaw, then, by sliding the moving part forward, the jaws close and by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws open, if connected to the lower jaw, by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws close, and by sliding the moving part forwards, the jaws open.

2. A medical instrument as defined in claim 1, its front jaws designed as various forceps jaws, or as two sharp edges as in Tenaculum forceps, or as scissors cutting blades, or as one blade scissors, or as biopsy punch.

3. A medical instrument as defined in claims 1 and 2, with a handle at its rear end; the handle grasped digitally, with the thumb or closed fist being used to push the moving part forward, or with a handle at its rear end used in the same manner as a syringe piston.

4. A medical instrument as defined in claim 3. with a spring that pushes back the moving part to open the front jaws.

5. A medical instrument as defined in claim 4, equipped with inner notches and grooves in the fixed and moving part opposite each other, acting in a ratchet manner.

6. A medical instrument as in claim 5, with a trigger for releasing the ratchet mechanism.

7. A medical instrument as defined in claims 1 to claim 6; made mainly of one of the following plastics; polypropylene or polyamide or acetal or rigid polyethylene or any other high impact flexible plastic that does not break when bent.

8. A medical device, as described in claims 1 to claim 7; fitted with optical fiber or more than one optical fiber.

9. A method for operating a plastic medical instrument consisting of two main parts; said method comprising steps of obtaining a fixed longitudinal track with two jaws fixed to its front end that are flexible at the point of connection and a type of handle at the other end; providing a moving part along the longitudinal track, its front end combined with one of the jaws of the fixed part, wherein when connected to the upper jaw, sliding the moving part forward, closes the jaws and by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws open, when connected to the lower jaw, by sliding the moving part backwards, the jaws close, and by sliding the moving part forwards, the jaws open.

10. A method for operating a plastic medical instrument consisting of two main parts; said method comprising steps of obtaining a fixed longitudinal track with two jaws fixed to its front end that is equipped with inner notches and grooves and a type of handle on the other end; and providing a moving part moves along the longitudinal track, its front end combined with one of the jaws of the fixed part and with inner notches and grooves to match the fixed part inner notches and grooves, and with a spring that causes the moving part to move backwards; by sliding the moving part forward or backwards, the jaws close and the spring is compressed and the inner notches and grooves fit into the opposite side as in a ratchet device; by releasing the ratchet device the spring slides the moving part backwards, thus opening the jaws.