Instrument with two independent forceps

[0002] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/214,696 filed Jun. 24, 1999. now U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,239.

[0003] The invention relates to an instrument for application in endoscopic surgical operations.

[0004] An instrument, having a shaft, which receives two forceps extending beyond a distal end of the shaft and pivotal toward and away from one another about an axis extending orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the shaft, is known from the German Patent DE 43 24 254 C1.

[0005] In quite a number of cases in endoscopic surgery it is now necessary to “contact” two tissue fragments which are separated from each other, to maintain them in this contracted state, and to unite them then, e.g. by a suturing or by an adhesive operation.

[0006] Examples of such operations may be found in surgical operations of torn ligaments in a joint such as the knee joint, or the in-vitro fertilization of the fallopian tubes. Another example is described in the article by D. J. TIBBS et al. “Arterial Replacement with Minimal Interruption of Blood Flow”, published in The Lancet, 1958, pp. 292 to 294″.

[0007] The performance of these operations with conventional instruments requires not only comparatively long time but also a great manual skill of the physician performing the operation because the surgeon must handle several instruments introduced into the human body and co-ordinate their movements.

[0008] The instrument known from the German Patent DE 43 24 254 C1, too, is only conditionally suitable for the performance of such operations because the two bendable forceps, which are introduced separately of each other into a shaft including several ducts, do not allow for a coordinated movement in the sense of a selective approach of the two forceps to each other. Moreover, the individual ducts are disposed on the apeces of an equilateral triangle so that the manipulation of the contracted tissue fragment is rendered more complicated by an instrument introduced through the third duct. Moreover, the jaw elements present an inexpedient orientation relative to the pivoting axis so that a “contraction” of sensitive tissue fragments is not possible.

[0009] The present invention is based on the problem of providing an instrument for application in endoscopic surgery, which will facilitate the “contraction” of two tissue fragments which are separate from each other, the holding of the tissue fragments in the contracted state and the subsequent manipulation, e.g. the connection by a suturing or adhesive process.

[0010] In accordance with the invention both forceps elements are each pivotable as a unit about parallel pivoting axes such that their mutual spacing in the direction of the transverse axis of the instrument may be varied. With these pivoting axes being at least approximately orthogonal on the longitudinal axis of the instrument the adjusting range for the spacing between the forceps elements is substantially greater than the diameter of the instrument which is restricted by the maximum “opening in the body” available.

[0011] Each of the forceps elements has a pair of jaws spaced from one another and extending from the distal discharge opening of a continuous duct so that (inter alia) a surgical instrument may be introduced in the duct for co-operation with the jaws of the two forceps elements.

[0012] With this inventive configuration the following method can be performed for connecting tissue fragments separated from each other:

[0013] The inventive instrument is introduced into the cavity where the tissue fragments to be united are located. The free ends of the tissue fragments, e.g. the fallopian tubes, are seized with the jaw of one respective forceps element of the instrument. Then the forceps jaws of the forceps elements are “approached to each other” in a direction orthogonal on the longitudinal axis of the instrument. With the two forceps elements of the instrument holding the tissue fragments, the free ends of the tissue fragments to be united are moved towards each other, too. As soon as the free ends have reached a position in which the bonding operation can be performed the operating physician performs the uniting operation. During the uniting operation and possibly even thereafter the parts to be united are held with the inventive instrument. The inventive instrument may, of course, be used also in other treatment or processing operations in the human or animal body or in engineering applications.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the pivotable part(s) of the jaw of each forceps element is (are) pivotable about an axis which is orthogonal on the pivoting axis of the forceps element. This orientation, which is opposite to the orientation between the forceps jaws and the pivoting axis as it is known from the German Patent DE 43 24 254 C1, allows for the contraction of sensitive tissue fragments, too, because the jaw elements move approximately orthogonally on the direction in which the tissue fragments are moved when the forceps elements are pivoted.

[0015] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention a pivoting actuator element is mounted on the proximal end of the instrument for each forceps element, which, when operated, varies the pivoting angle and hence the distance between the forceps elements in the direction of the transverse axis. The variation of the pivoting angle does not take any influence on the mutual relative position of the jaw elements of each forceps element. It is thus possible to connect the free tissue fragments to be united towards each other with high precision and without any damage to the tissue.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the forceps elements are designed in the form of known forceps which are introduced, in particular, as a unit into a shaft. This configuration facilitates both the manufacture, stock-keeping at the manufacturing plant, and the cleaning of the inventive instrument. It is moreover expedient that the shaft presents the configuration of a known trocar or a laparoscope. This trocar shaft may have an outside diameter of 10 mm to 13 mm, e.g. when fallopian tubes are to be united.

[0017] It is moreover preferred, that the actuator elements for the jaw elements of the forceps are handle pieces—such as scissors handles, forceps handles or the like—which are biased into the position in which the respective forceps jaw is closed. This configuration presents the advantage that the physician need not hold the handle pieces in order to hold jaw elements of the two forceps in a closed condition when the tissue fragments are contracted.

[0018] The variation of the distance between the two forceps elements may be achieved in the most different ways on principle. It is possible, for instance, to hold at least one forceps elements in a resilient and outwardly bent holder. Then the forceps element is “pushed inside” or the point of articulation is displaced by means of a linear guide or a sleeve.

[0019] In correspondence with the invention, the forceps jaws are an element on flexible forceps known per se which have a distal end which is bendable in a way equally known per se.

[0020] The pivoting or bending movement of the forceps jaws may be achieved in the most different ways:

[0021] For instance, transfer elements such as sheathed cables, connecting rods or traction bars may be provided which transmit the movement of the actuator elements to the forceps jaws. It is moreover possible that distally disposed actuators are provided which create the pivoting or bending movement. The actuators may be micro control elements, particularly electrically operated elements, such as micro motors.

[0022] It is furthermore possible to use rigid forceps as forceps which have a distal end that can be bent as a unit and which comprise jaw elements which are connected via a rod or the like to a proximally disposed actuator element. In particular forceps may be used such as those described in the prior German Patent Application 196 25 241.5 of Karl Storz GmbH Co., Germany.

[0023] It is preferred that an equalizer mechanism is provided which prevents any variation of the relative angular position of the two jaw elements of the jaw when the distal end is bent or pivoted as a unit, respectively, because then the tissue can neither be damaged nor can slide out of the respective jaw element when the distance between the two forceps is varied.

[0024] When a rigid forceps element is used it is moreover preferred that the rod has a flexible configuration in the area of the bend in a manner known per se and closes the jaw in response to traction or pressure.

[0025] When a “rigid forceps” is used it is moreover preferable to provide a control element and specifically a set screw by means of which element the distal end can be bent or pivoted, respectively, in response to operation of the element.

[0026] The set screw may be disposed at an angel of 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument or in a concentric position relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument.

[0027] The manipulation of the inventive instrument is furthermore facilities when certain angular positions of the two forceps are indexed or when the set screw presents catching means at certain angular positions.

[0028] The most different instruments may be inserted into the additional duct.

[0029] It is possible to use a suturing means upon introduction of a catheter.

[0030] When distal and proximal fallopian tube stumps are to be united, in particular, upon introduction of a catheter it is expedient that the adhesive means is a catheter which permits the application of a fibrin adhesive.

[0031] The forceps jaws of the inventive instrument may be designed, on principle, in any configuration known. It is particularly expedient, however, that each of the forceps jaws are formed by two clamping jaws. These clamping jaws may be provided with teeth so that the respective tissue fragments may be safely seized.

[0032] The shape of the clamping jaws may be matched with the tissue fragments to be united so as to achieve a large-area positive locking.

[0033] The adaptation to different surgery conditions is facilitated by the provision that the forceps jaws are additionally displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the instrument relative to the instrument body. The displacement of each forceps jaw may take place independently of the other forceps jaw. Due to the displaceability in the direction of the longitudinal axis it is possible, inter alia, to compensate for the angular offset which is caused as a result of the pivoting movement. If necessary, a forced guidance is also possible for a compensation of the angular offset.

[0034] The invention will be described in the following, without any restriction of the general inventive idea, by exemplary embodiments, with reference to the drawing to which explicit reference is made in all other respects as far as the disclosure of all details is concerned which are not explained more thoroughly in the text. In the drawing:

[0035] FIG. 1aside view of a first embodiment of an inventive instrument, partly as sectional view;

[0036] FIG. 1bis a schematic illustration of a second embodiment, and

[0037] FIGS. 2aand 2bshow each an illustration for explanation of the application of this instrument.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1A, B-2A,B a surgical instrument, in accordance with the invention, allows a surgeon to affix two tissue fragments 5′, 5″ (FIG. 2A) to one another. Particularly, the surgical instrument includes a trocar sleeve or shaft 13 having two spaced apart ducts 14 which define a space therebetween that receives a third duct 12 shaped to house an instrument 40 (FIG. 1A). As an example, a catheter delivering an adhesive, a suturing instrument or any other surgical instrument cooperating with a pair of forceps elements 14′, 14″ during the surgery can be used as the instrument inserted in the third duct 12.

[0039] Each of the forceps elements can be selected from a great variety of clamping tools, such as scissors and the like, and typically includes a body extending between proximal 15′ and distal 16 ends. According to the invention, the distal end 16 is pivotally mounted to the forceps element so as a distance between distal tips 16′ can vary.

[0040] In order to operate the forceps elements including the distal ends thereof, the instrument has a pair of actuators 19, each connected to the respective proximal end 15′ and performing several functions. Firstly, each of the ducts 14 is shaped to allow the forceps element to be linearly displaced therein parallel to a longitudinal axis A—A of the instrument upon applying an external force to the actuator 19. Secondly, actuators are provided with transmitting elements 30 each transferring motion of the actuator 19 to pivotally displace the respective distal end 16 about an axis 15a, which extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis A—A. As a result, a distance at which the distal tips can be spaced from one another is greater than a diameter of the trocar sleeve 13 during a clamping phase.

[0041] The actuator 19 can be selected among micro-control elements 32, such as a micro motor, or a set screw 34 or any other element providing a controllable displacement of the distal ends in response to actuating of the actuator 19. A relative position of the set screw relative to the longitudinal axis A—A can vary between a coaxial position of the set screw and the ducts and a position wherein the set screw extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0042] As mentioned above, the present invention is particularly suitable for facilitating contraction of two tissue fragments necessitating, thus, transferring of the actuator's motion to the pivotal displacement of the distal ends from a position shown in FIG. 2A to a position illustrated in FIG. 2B. Given purely as an example, the transmitting element 30 can be selected from the group including sheathed cables, connecting rods and traction bars.

[0043] Pivotal displacement of the distal ends 16 can be controllable by having an index mechanism 42 which is connected to the actuator, thereby allowing a surgeon to precisely operate the latter in order to displace the distal end at a desirable angle.

[0044] According to another aspect of the invention, each distal end 16 is adapted to grip a tissue fragment. Particularly, each distal end has a pair of jaws 15 (FIG.1A) displaceable relative to one another about a bending axis 16awhich is coplanar with but orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A—A. Further, the bending axis lies in a plane extending orthogonally to the pivot axes. Thus, as shown in FIG.1A, the jaws are closed, but can be open by another actuator 17, which is mounted to the proximal end 15′ of the forceps and connected to the distal end thereof by one of the above-mentioned transmitting elements 30. Each of the jaws is preferably shaped to have a gripping surface shaped substantially complimentary to a segment of a tissue to be gripped. Thus, for example, if distal and proximal fallopian stumps are to be united, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the gripping surfaces 21′ (FIG. 1B) of the jaws 21, 22 are curved to extend substantially along the stump's periphery in the closed position of the jaws. Each of the gripping surfaces can be provided with a tooth 3 (FIG. 2A) to ensure engagement between the jaws and the fallopian stump to be displaced. Each of the gripping surfaces can be provided with a tooth 44 (FIG. 1B) to ensure engagement between the jaws and the fallopian stump to be displaced.

[0045] The actuator 17 is a scissors-like handle provided with a spring 18 which biases the scissors levers toward one another, as shown in FIG. 1A. This position corresponds to the closed position of the jaws 15, thereby facilitating introduction of the forceps into a corporeal cavity as a result of a compact structure of the distal ends.

[0046] To compensate for the angular offset as a result of the pivoting motion of the distal end 16, the instrument has an equalizer 48 connected to the actuator 19 to linearly displace each of the forceps elements 14 along the longitudinal axis A—A after or during its angular displacement. It should be noted that the axial displacement of the forceps, pivoting of the distal ends 16 and relative displacement of the jaws 15 of each pair can be monitored. Thus, each part of one of the forceps element can be controlled individually or synchronously with the identical part of the other forceps element.

[0047] To implement the pivoting of distal ends, at least one of the forceps elements has a bend 54 (FIG. 2A) resiliently pivoting the distal end about a pivot axis 56, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A—A at a pre-determined angle. Such structure allows the distal ends 2′ and 2″ to move between a position shown in 2A to a position illustrated by FIG. 2B, wherein the distal ends extend parallel to one another upon withdrawal of the forceps elements towards a proximal end of the shaft.

[0048] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a process of adhering two tissue segments 50, 52, gripped by the pair jaws upon pivotal displacement of the distal ends from one another at a maximum distance that, as shown in FIG. 2A can exceed an outer diameter of the shaft 10. As the actuator 19 linearly displaces the forceps elements toward the proximal end of the shaft 1 by means of transfer elements 4 (FIG. 1B), at least one distal end 2′ is frictionally guided against the conduit 14 to pivot about the axis 3. Upon overcoming a lateral force exerted by the bend 54, the distal ends 2′ and 2″ of the forceps elements assume a position shown in FIG. 2B, wherein the distal ends are brought close to one another upon pivoting of at least one distal end 2′. Upon closing the tissue segments, the catheter 40 containing an adhesive is introduced in the duct 12 to adhere the meeting ends of the fragments together.

[0049] it is understood that shapes of the Jaws can vary depending on a particular surgical procedure performed by the disclosed instrument. Accordingly, the drawings and description herein are preferred by way of example and do not limit the scope of the Invention as defined in the following claims.