U.S. patent application number 11/403037 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for surgical instrument.
This patent application is currently assigned to Olympus Corporation. Invention is credited to Shuhei Iizuka, Manabu Miyamoto.
Application Number | 20060184183 11/403037 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35320007 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060184183 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miyamoto; Manabu ; et
al. |
August 17, 2006 |
Surgical instrument
Abstract
In a surgical instrument, a treatment portion continuously
provided at a distal end of an insert section has a needle holding
member made of an elastic body capable of holding a needle when the
needle is pierced into the elastic body.
Inventors: |
Miyamoto; Manabu; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Iizuka; Shuhei; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Assignee: |
Olympus Corporation
|
Family ID: |
35320007 |
Appl. No.: |
11/403037 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP05/08484 |
May 10, 2005 |
|
|
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11403037 |
Apr 12, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/2825 20130101;
A61B 17/0493 20130101; A61B 17/11 20130101; A61B 17/29 20130101;
A61B 2017/1135 20130101; A61B 2017/2902 20130101; A61B 17/062
20130101; A61B 2017/2913 20130101; A61B 2017/1107 20130101; A61B
2017/00367 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/148 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/04 20060101
A61B017/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 11, 2004 |
JP |
2004-141513 |
Feb 28, 2005 |
JP |
2005-054020 |
Claims
1. A surgical instrument comprising: a treatment portion
continuously provided at a distal end of an insert section; and the
treatment portion having a needle holding member made of an elastic
body capable of holding a needle when the needle is pierced into
the elastic body.
2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising
a needle holding-force adjusting mechanism for elastically
deforming the elastic body, thereby variably adjusting a force of
holding the needle pierced into the elastic body.
3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the needle
holding-force adjusting mechanism elastically deforms the elastic
body by compressing the elastic body.
4. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the needle
holding-force adjusting mechanism elastically deforms the elastic
body by pulling the elastic body.
5. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the
elastic body has a plurality of holes into which the needle is
pierceable, the holes being formed by arraying elastic members in a
mesh-like pattern.
6. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the
elastic body includes cutouts capable pinching the needle.
7. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the
elastic body is of a two-layered structure comprising an outer
layer and an inner layer, the inner layer being formed of a more
flexible elastic member than an elastic member of the outer
layer.
8. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the needle
holding member includes an adhesive layer covering a surface of the
elastic body.
9. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the needle
holding member includes a magnet disposed inside the elastic
body.
10. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the
treatment portion is a pinching portion capable of opening and
closing in response to opening and closing operations.
11. A surgical instrument comprising: an operating section
including an open/close operating member; an insert section
provided to extend from one end side of the operating section; a
clamping portion provided to extend from a distal end extension of
the insert section while being inclined at a predetermined angle
relative to a longitudinal central axis of the insert section, the
clamping portion being able to passively rotate about an axis of
the insert-section distal end extension in an extending direction
and being able to open and close in response to an opening/closing
operation of the open/close operating member; and an open/close
force transmitting member being advanced and retracted in interlock
with the opening/closing operation of the open/close operating
member disposed in the operating section, thereby transmitting an
open/close force to the clamping portion.
12. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein the
clamping portion includes two clamping members having flat surfaces
arranged in opposed relation, one of the two clamping members being
moved by the open/close force transmitted through the open/close
force transmitting member, which is advanced and retracted in
interlock with the opening/closing operation of the open/close
operating member, such that the one of the two clamping members is
moved relative to the other.
13. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein the
clamping portion further includes: a biasing member for biasing the
two clamping members such that the flat surfaces of the two
clamping members come into close contact with each other, one of
the two clamping members being moved against a biasing force of the
biasing member by the open/close force transmitted through the
open/close force transmitting member, whereby the flat surfaces
held in a close contact state by the biasing force of the biasing
member are changed to a state apart from each other.
14. A surgical instrument comprising: an insert section including a
distal end extension and a proximal end portion and having a first
axis in a longitudinal direction; an operating section provided at
the proximal end side of the insert section; a clamping portion
extended from the distal end extension of the insert section in a
direction of a second axis inclined at a predetermined angle
relative to the first axis of the insert section; a rotatable
holder portion provided in the proximal end side of the clamping
portion and held by the distal end extension of the insert section
such that the clamping portion is rotatable about the second axis;
and at least one grasping portion provided at the distal end side
of the clamping portion to be capable of advancing and retracting
in a direction of the second axis.
15. A surgical instrument comprising: an insert section including a
distal end extension and a proximal end portion and having a first
axis in a longitudinal direction; an operating section provided at
the proximal end side of the insert section; a transmitting member
provided in the insert section to be capable of advancing and
retracting therein; a first grasping portion provided in the distal
end extension of the insert section; and a second grasping portion
biased in a direction toward the first grasping portion and being
movable in a direction away from the first grasping portion, the
second grasping portion having a first contact surface at the
proximal end side thereof, the transmitting member having a second
contact surface at the distal end side thereof, and the second
contact surface being movable between a first portion apart from
the first contact surface and a second position where the second
contact surface presses the first contact surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of
PCT/JP2005/008484 filed on May 10, 2005 and claims benefit of
Japanese Applications No. 2004-141513 filed in Japan on May 11,
2004 and No. 2005-054020 filed in Japan on Feb. 28, 2005, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a surgical instrument used
for operating a needle, etc. when cardiovascular tracts, urinary
tracts, and tissues in body cavities are sutured.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In recent surgery, a suturing operation has been performed
to suture tissues while operating, e.g., a curved needle with a
thread. In a surgical instrument for use in the suturing operation,
a treatment portion is provided, for example, at the distal end of
an insert section. When an anastomosis opening is sutured, a
surgeon finely operates the needle by using the treatment portion
of the surgical instrument to progress the suturing stitch by
stitch with close attention. For that reason, the suturing
operation in surgery has been a factor that prolongs the surgery
time.
[0006] Particularly, in surgery to be performed within a limited
space, e.g., in surgery using an endoscope, the insert section is
generally inserted into a body cavity through a trocar or the like.
Therefore, a lot of training is required until a surgeon has become
able to operate the needle by using the treatment portion provided
at the distal end of the insert section in a fine manner as
intended.
[0007] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,877 discloses a surgical
instrument for holding a needle, e.g., a suturing needle, used in
anastomosing or suturing cardiovascular tracts and urinary tracts.
The disclosed surgical instrument has a treatment portion of the
so-called pincers structure and holds a needle by pinching it.
[0008] Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,575 discloses a needle carrier
aiming at improved convenience in use. When suturing blood vessels,
organs, etc., the disclosed needle carrier enables a curved needle
to be inserted by actively moving the needle following the
curvature of the needle while the curved needle is grasped.
[0009] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,578 discloses a grasping
forceps used in a body cavity for various applications, such as
spreading tissues and handling threads.
[0010] The surgical instrument, the needle carrier, and the
grasping forceps are each inserted into the body cavity through a
trocar or the like. When the suturing operation is performed by
using the needle carrier and the grasping forceps, the surgeon
generally operates the needle carrier by one hand and operates the
grasping forceps by the other hand.
[0011] In the suturing operation, the surgeon holds the proximal
end of a needle by the needle carrier and places a needle tip at a
predetermined position in an organ. Then, the surgeon actively
moves the needle such that the needle is inserted in place. The tip
of the needle inserted from the predetermined position in the organ
passes through the organ and is projected out of the organ surface
again. The surgeon holds the needle tip projected out of the organ
by the needle carrier or the grasping forceps and then draws the
needle out of the organ by making an operation at hand. One stitch
of suturing is thus completed.
[0012] When drawing out the needle by the needle carrier, the
surgeon temporarily releases the proximal end of the needle from
the held state. Thereafter, the surgeon moves the needle carrier
from the proximal end to the tip of the needle and draws out the
needle by holding the needle tip with the needle carrier.
[0013] On the other hand, when drawing out the needle by using the
grasping forceps, the surgeon first inserts the needle while
operating the needle carrier by one hand. Then, the surgeon grasps
the needle tip and draws out the needle while operating the
grasping forceps by the other hand. By thus inserting the needle
with the needle carrier and drawing out the needle with the
grasping forceps, the needle can be more smoothly drawn out and the
suturing operation can be finished in a shorter time than the case
of inserting and drawing out the needle with only the needle
carrier.
[0014] When the needle inserted in, e.g., a luminal tissue is drawn
out, the needle requires to be moved following the curved shape of
the needle so as to avoid the tissue from being damaged. In the
surgery using an endoscope, however, a region in which the
treatment portion is allowed to move is limited. Let us now look at
a manual operation of drawing out a suturing needle 33 in the form
of a curved needle inserted in a first luminal organ 31 and a
second luminal organ 32 as shown in FIG. 1, for example, by using a
grasping forceps 34.
[0015] First, the surgeon introduces the grasping forceps 34 into a
body cavity through a trocar 36 stuck in a patient body wall 35. In
this state, the grasping forceps 34 is restricted in its movable
region other than the direction in which it is advanced and
retracted with respect to the trocar 36. Numeral 37 denotes a
portion which has been sutured, 38 denotes a suturing thread, and
39 denotes an opening to be sutured.
[0016] Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the surgeon grasps a needle tip
33a by the grasping forceps 34 introduced through the trocar 36.
From that state, the surgeon may try to draw out the suturing
needle 33, for example, by moving the grasping forceps 34 to pull
it outward of the patient body wall 35 as indicated by an arrow A.
However, when the needle is drawn out in such a manner, a tensile
force is applied from the suturing needle 33 to the luminal organ
32 as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 3, thus resulting in a risk
that the suturing needle 33 cannot be easily drawn out.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In a surgical instrument of the present invention, a
treatment portion continuously provided at a distal end of an
insert section has a needle holding member made of an elastic body
capable of holding a needle when the needle is pierced into the
elastic body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is an illustration for explaining a grasping forceps
introduced into a body cavity through a trocar and a suturing
needle operated by the grasping forceps in the body cavity.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an illustration for explaining a state where the
suturing needle inserted in luminal organs is grasped by the
grasping forceps and the grasping forceps is pulled out of the body
cavity.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an illustration showing the state where a tensile
force is imposed on the luminal organ from the suturing needle in
the body cavity which is drawn out by using the grasping
forceps.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the general
construction of a surgical instrument according to a first
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the operation of
transferring a needle from a needle carrier to a needle holding
member.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the needle holding member
holding the needle in a blood vessel.
[0024] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view for explaining the state where
the needle is held by the needle holding member in the stitching
operation with the surgical instrument.
[0025] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view for explaining the state where
the needle is rotated corresponding to a force applied from a body
tissue in a position, at which the needle is pierced into the
tissue, by moving an insert section in the stitching operation with
the surgical instrument.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the general
construction of a surgical instrument according to a second
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the
construction of a surgical instrument.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the general
construction of a surgical instrument according to a third
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the
construction of a treatment portion.
[0030] FIG. 13 is an illustration for explaining an elastic
body.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the general
construction of a surgical instrument according to a fourth
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the
construction of an operating section.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the
construction of a treatment portion.
[0034] FIG. 17 is an illustration for explaining an elastic body in
an ordinary state.
[0035] FIG. 18 is an illustration for explaining the elastic body
when the elastic body is elastically deformed.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a perspective view for explaining the
construction of a treatment portion of a surgical instrument
according to a fifth embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a perspective view for explaining the
construction of a treatment portion of a surgical instrument
according to a sixth embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the
construction of a treatment portion of a surgical instrument
according to a seventh embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the
construction of a surgical instrument according to an eighth
embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a perspective view for explaining the
construction of a treatment portion.
[0041] FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along the line XXIV-XXIV
in FIG. 22.
[0042] FIG. 25 is a perspective view for explaining the
construction of a treatment portion of a surgical instrument
according to a ninth embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 26 is a perspective view for explaining the
construction of a treatment portion of a surgical instrument
according to a tenth embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the
construction of a treatment portion of a surgical instrument
according to an eleventh embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 28 is a sectional view for explaining the construction
and operation of the treatment portion holding the needle.
[0046] FIG. 29 is a view for explaining the external appearance of
a surgical instrument according to a twelfth embodiment in the
state where an open/close operating member is placed in an
operation start position.
[0047] FIG. 30 is a view for explaining the constructions of an
operating section and an insert section on its proximal end side in
the state where the open/close operating member is placed in the
operation start position.
[0048] FIG. 31 is a view for explaining the constructions of the
insert section on its distal end side and a pinching portion in the
state where the open/close operating member is placed in an
operation start position.
[0049] FIG. 32 is a view for explaining the open state of the
pinching portion when the open/close operating member is moved to a
maximum push position.
[0050] FIG. 33 is an illustration showing the state where a needle
tip is grasped by the pinching portion to start the operation of
drawing out the needle.
[0051] FIG. 34 is an illustration showing the state where the
insert section is moved toward a patient body wall such that the
proximal end of the suturing needle is drawn out of a first luminal
organ.
[0052] FIG. 35 is an illustration showing the state where the
insert section is further moved toward the patient body wall such
that the proximal end of the suturing needle reaches a second
luminal organ.
[0053] FIG. 36 is an illustration showing the state where. the
insert section is still further moved toward the patient body wall
such that the suturing needle is drawn out of the second luminal
organ and a suturing thread is stitched through the first luminal
organ and the second luminal organ.
[0054] FIG. 37 is an illustration for explaining a pinching portion
featured in an open/close actuating member.
[0055] FIG. 38 is an illustration for explaining one action of the
pinching portion including the open/close actuating member provided
with a rod portion having a spherical end.
[0056] FIG. 39 is an illustration for explaining another action of
the pinching portion including the open/close actuating member
provided with the rod portion having the spherical end.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below
with reference to the drawings.
[0058] A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
4 through 8.
[0059] In FIG. 4, numeral 1 denotes a surgical instrument capable
of holding, e.g., a later-described curved needle for suturing (see
numeral 6 in FIG. 5 and other figures, hereinafter referred to
simply as a "needle") when cardiovascular tracts, urinary tracts,
etc. are anastomosed or sutured.
[0060] The surgical instrument 1 includes an operating section 2
gasped by one hand of a surgeon for operating the surgical
instrument 1. An insert section 3 is continuously provided at the
distal end side of the operating section 2. A treatment portion 4
as an essential portion is continuously provided at the distal end
side of the insert section 3.
[0061] The operating section 2 and the insert section 3 are
integrally formed of, e.g., a stainless rod member. The insert
section 3 is formed to have an outer diameter smaller than that of
the operating section 2. More specifically, the insert section 3 is
formed in such a thickness as being able to be inserted through a
trocar used in surgery using an endoscope. The surgical instrument
1 is therefore usable in any of the surgery using an endoscope and
an abdominal operation, i.e., the so-called open surgery.
[0062] The operating section 2 and the insert section 3 may be
formed of the so-called engineering plastic, such as polycarbonate
or PEEK. Also, the outer diameter of the operating section 2 and
the outer diameter of the insert section 3 may be of course equal
to each other. The operating section 2 is preferably subjected to a
non-slipping process. Examples of the non-slipping process include
knurling and sand blasting.
[0063] A needle holding member 5 serving as needle holding means,
which constitutes the treatment portion 4, is fixed to the distal
end of the insert section 3 by fusion, for example. The needle
holding member 5 is formed by shaping an elastic body made of,
e.g., silicone rubber into a substantially conical tapered form,
for example. The needle 6 is held by the needle holding member 5
upon insertion of the needle 6 into the needle holding member 5,
namely when the needle 6 is pierced into the elastic body.
[0064] The shape of the needle holding member 5 is not limited to
the substantially conical tapered form, and the needle holding
member 5 can be shaped into any of other various forms, such as
substantially spherical, columnar, poly-angular pyramidal, or
poly-angular pillar form. Also, the needle holding member 5 can be
made of any of various materials, such as fluorine-contained
rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or polyurethane. By properly selecting
the material, the hardness of the needle holding member 5 can be
properly set such that an elastic force is changed and the needle
holding member 5 is able to hold the needle 6 in the pierced state
by an optimum holding force.
[0065] In use of the surgical instrument 1 thus constructed, the
surgeon can perform various operations, such as lifting and pushing
apart tissues in a surgery field, by grasping the operating section
2 by one hand and changing the position of the treatment portion
4.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the surgeon sutures a blood vessel 7
while operating a needle carrier 10 by one hand and operating the
surgical instrument 1 by the other hand. In such a case, the
surgeon pierces the tip of the needle 6 held by the needle carrier
10 into the needle holding member 5 in any desired direction. With
that operation, the needle 6 can be transferred to the surgical
instrument 1. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the
needle 6 held by the needle carrier 10 is used to stitch the blood
vessel 7, the needle holding member 5 is inserted through an
opening of the blood vessel 7 and is pressed against an inner wall
of the blood vessel 7 near a point where the needle 6 is pierced.
This makes it possible to support the blood vessel 7 by the
surgical instrument 1 and to receive the needle 6 by the surgical
instrument 1 at the same time. When the needle 6 is pierced into
the blood vessel 7 from the inner wall side toward the outer side,
the surgical instrument 1 can also support the blood vessel 7 and
receive the needle 6 at the same time.
[0067] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the needle 6 held by the needle
holding member 5 is rotatable about an axis 8 passing the point
where the needle 6 is pierced into the needle holding member 5.
Therefore, for example, when the needle 6 pierced through the blood
vessel 7 is drawn out by using the surgical instrument 1, the
needle 6 is allowed to passively rotate corresponding to a force
applied from the blood vessel 7. As shown in FIG. 8, for example,
when the needle holding member 5 is moved to advance in a direction
indicated by an arrow C in the figure, the needle 6 is rotated
about the axis 8 of rotation in a direction indicated by an arrow D
in the figure corresponding to the force applied from the position
of the blood vessel 7 where the needle 6 is pierced.
[0068] Thus, the surgical instrument of this embodiment is
constructed so as to hold the needle by the needle holding member
with the needle pierced into the latter. It is therefore possible
not only to stably place the treatment portion at any desired
position, but also to easily transfer the needle without requiring
the open/close operation for holding the needle unlike, e.g., the
known needle carrier of the pincers structure. Particularly,
operability in transferring the needle is markedly improved in such
fine operations as suturing thin tracts, e.g., cardiovascular
tracts and urinary tracts.
[0069] Also, the needle can be pierced into the needle holding
member from various directions regardless of the posture of the
surgical instrument. Therefore, operability in receiving the needle
from the needle carrier, etc. is further improved. This feature is
particularly effective in the surgery using the endoscope in which
the allowable posture of the surgical instrument 1 is limited.
[0070] Further, when the needle pierced through the tissue, e.g.,
the blood vessel, is held and drawn out by the needle holding
member, the needle is allowed to passively rotate corresponding to
the force imposed on the needle from the tissue. Accordingly,
satisfactory stitching operation can be realized without exerting a
large tension on the tissue.
[0071] When the needle is pierced into the tissue, e.g., the blood
vessel, by using the needle carrier or the like, holding of the
tissue and receiving of the needle can be performed at the same
time with one instrument by placing the needle holding member at
the backside of the point where the needle is pierced. Accordingly,
a series of operations from a step of piercing the needle into the
tissue to a step of drawing out the needle can be quickly performed
while the number of the treatment instruments used can be reduced.
As a result, in the surgery using the endoscope, it is possible to
reduce the number of ports to be incised in the patient body for
insertion of the treatment instruments, and to realize
less-invasive surgery.
[0072] Moreover, in the state where the needle is held by the
needle holding member, the needle tip is buried in the needle
holding member. This not only prevents the needle tip from damaging
the tissue, but also prevents the needle tip from contacting with
the other surgical instrument and from causing a trouble.
[0073] A second embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0074] This second embodiment differs from the above-described
first embodiment in adding the function of variably adjusting the
force of holding the needle, which is applied from the needle
holding member. Similar components to those in the first embodiment
are denoted by the same numerals and a description of those
components is omitted here.
[0075] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an operating
section 2 has a handle portion 42 incorporating a link mechanism
40. The handle portion 42 is constructed by a pair of handle
portion halves 42a and 42b coupled to each other by a screw 41. A
slide bearing 43 for supporting the proximal end side of a
later-described rod 46, which penetrates through the slide bearing
43, is disposed at the distal end of the handle portion 42.
[0076] A hollow outer sleeve 44 constituting an insert section 3 is
fitted at its proximal end portion to an inner periphery of the
slide bearing 43. The handle portion 42, the slide bearing 43, and
the outer sleeve 44 are fixedly fastened together, for example, by
screws 45a, 45b and 45c which are disposed on the same
circumference at angular intervals of 120.degree..
[0077] As shown in FIG. 10, a threaded portion 47 is formed in a
proximal region of the rod 46, which penetrates through the slide
bearing 43 and is exposed to an inner space of the handle portion
42. Nuts 48a and 48b are screwed over the threaded portion 47. The
presence of those nuts limits movement of the rod 46 toward the
distal end side. The distal end of a joint 49 is screwed with the
proximal end of the threaded portion 47. One end of an arm 51 is
rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the joint 49 through a pin
50.
[0078] An opening 52 is formed in a joint area between the handle
portion halves 42a and 42b. The other end of the arm 51 is extended
through the opening 52 and is exposed to the outside. A free end of
a lever 53 is rotatably coupled to the other end of the arm 51
through a pin 54. A fixed end of the lever 53 is swingably
supported by a pin 55 which is buried in the proximal end side of
the handle portion halves 42a and 42b.
[0079] With such an arrangement, in the operating section 2, the
link mechanism 40 is constituted which is capable of advancing and
retracting the rod 46 in the outer sleeve 44 in response to the
lever 53 being turned up and down with respect to the handle
portion 42.
[0080] On the other hand, a slide bearing 56 for supporting the rod
46, which penetrates through the slide bearing 56, is fixed to the
distal end of the outer sleeve 44 by a screw 57. A threaded portion
58 is formed in a distal end region of the rod 46, which penetrates
through the slide bearing 56 and is exposed to the same side as a
treatment portion 4. A cap 59 is screwed over the threaded portion
58. A needle holding member 60 serving as needle holding means,
which is made of an elastic body having a substantially cylindrical
shape, is sandwiched between the cap 59 and the slide bearing 56.
The elastic body constituting the needle holding member 60 is made
of, e.g., silicone rubber, fluorine-contained rubber, polyvinyl
chloride, or polyurethane.
[0081] In use of the surgical instrument thus constructed, when the
lever 53 is turned down by the surgeon grasping the operating
section 2, the rod 46 is moved toward the proximal end side
together with the joint 49 through the arm 51. Correspondingly, the
needle holding member 60 sandwiched between the slide bearing 56
and the cap 59 is compressed. As a result of the needle holding
member 60 being compressed and elastically deformed, the force of
holding the needle 6 applied by the needle holding member 60 is
increased. Thus, with this embodiment, the link mechanism 40
disposed in the operating section 2 and the cap 59 interlocked with
the link mechanism 40 jointly realize a needle holding force
adjusting mechanism for elastically deforming the needle holding
member 60 and variably adjusting the force of holding the needle
6.
[0082] Usually, the adjustment of the holding force of the needle
holding member 60 is performed after, e.g., transfer of the needle
6. Therefore, operability in, for example, transferring the needle
6 from the needle carrier 10 to the surgical instrument 1 can be
maintained satisfactory.
[0083] In addition to substantially the same advantages as those
obtained with the first embodiment, this second embodiment can
provide an advantage that the needle can be held with higher
reliability by compressing the needle holding member so as to
increase the force of holding the needle pierced into the needle
holding member.
[0084] A third embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIGS. 11 through 13.
[0085] This third embodiment differs from the above-described first
embodiment in the construction of a treatment portion 4. The other
similar components to those in the first embodiment are denoted by
the same numerals and a description of those components is omitted
here.
[0086] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a needle
holding member 100 serving as needle holding means, which is
disposed in a treatment portion 4, comprises an end cap 101 and an
elastic body 102 covering the surface of the end cap 101. The end
cap 101 is coupled to the distal end of an insert section 3 through
a connector 104.
[0087] A recess 106 is formed at the distal end of the insert
section 3, and a base portion of the connector 104 is fitted to the
recess 106. A screw 105 penetrating from the lateral side of the
insert section 3 into the recess 106 is screwed into the base
portion of the connector 104. With such an arrangement, the
connector 104 is coupled to and held by the insert section 3.
[0088] A threaded hole is formed in the connector 104 to penetrate
its center in the axial direction. A threaded portion 103
projecting from a base portion of the end cap 101 is screwed into
the threaded hole. When the end cap 101 is coupled to the connector
104 by screwing the threaded portion 103 into the threaded hole, a
peripheral edge of the elastic body 102 is tucked between the end
cap 101 and the connector 104. The elastic body 102 is thereby held
on the surface of the end cap 101.
[0089] The elastic body 102 is made of an elastic member having a
plurality of holes 107 which have a smaller diameter than that of
the needle 6 and are arrayed in a mesh-like pattern. As shown in
FIG. 13, when the needle 6 is pierced into the hole 107, the needle
6 is held in the hole 107 by an elastic restoring force
(contractive force) applied from the hole 107.
[0090] In addition to substantially the same advantages as those
obtained with the first embodiment, this third embodiment can
provide an advantage that, since the end cap and the elastic body
can be easily removed from the connector, the deteriorated elastic
body can be easily replaced and a cost reduction can be
realized.
[0091] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIGS. 14 through 18.
[0092] This fourth embodiment differs from the above-described
first embodiment in adding the function of variably adjusting the
force of holding the needle, which is applied from the needle
holding member. The other similar components to those in the first
embodiment are denoted by the same numerals and a description of
those components is omitted here.
[0093] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, an
operating section 2 has a handle portion 122 incorporating a link
mechanism 120. The handle portion 122 is constructed by a pair of
handle portion halves 122a and 122b coupled to each other by a
screw 121. A slide bearing 123 for supporting the proximal end side
of a later-described rod 126, which penetrates through the slide
bearing 123, is disposed at a distal end of the handle portion
122.
[0094] A hollow outer sleeve 124 constituting an insert section 3
is fitted at its proximal end portion to an inner periphery of the
slide bearing 123. The handle portion 122, the slide bearing 123,
and the outer sleeve 124 are fixedly fastened together, for
example, by screws 125a, 125b and 125c which are disposed on the
same circumference at angular intervals of 120.degree..
[0095] As shown in FIG. 15, a threaded portion 127 is formed in a
proximal region of the rod 126, which penetrates through the slide
bearing 123 and is exposed to an inner space of the handle portion
122. Movement of the rod 126 toward the distal end side is limited
by nuts 128a and 128b which are screwed over the threaded portion
127.
[0096] The distal end of a joint 129 is screwed over the proximal
end of the threaded portion 127. One end of an arm 131 constituting
the link mechanism 120 is rotatably coupled to the proximal end of
the joint 129 through a pin 130.
[0097] An opening 132 is formed in a joint area between the handle
portion halves 122a and 122b. The other end of the arm 131 is
extended through the opening 132 and is exposed to the outside. An
intermediate portion of a lever 133 is rotatably coupled to the
other end of the arm 131 through a pin 134. A fixed end of the
lever 133 is swingably supported by a pin 135 which is buried in
the proximal end side of the handle portion halves 122a and
122b.
[0098] With such an arrangement, in the operating section 2, the
link mechanism 120 is constituted which is capable of advancing and
retracting the rod 126 in the outer sleeve 124 in response to the
lever 133 being turned up and down with respect to the handle
portion 122.
[0099] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, a connector 136 is
fixed to the distal end of the outer sleeve 124 by a screw 137. A
threaded hole is formed in the connector 136 to penetrate its
center in the axial direction. A slide bearing 138 for supporting
the rod 126, which penetrates through the slide bearing 138, is
coupled to the connector 136 by screwing into the threaded
hole.
[0100] More specifically, a threaded portion 139 having a through
hole formed therein is projected from the slide bearing 138. The
threaded portion 139 is screwed into the threaded hole of the
connector 136, whereby the slide bearing 138 is coupled to the
connector 136.
[0101] A threaded portion 141 is formed in a distal end region of
the rod 126, which penetrates through the slide bearing 138 and is
exposed to the same side as a treatment portion 4. An end pusher
142 is screwed over the threaded portion 141. The end pusher 142 is
covered with an elastic body 140 constituting a needle holding
member 143, which serves as needle holding means.
[0102] When the slide bearing 138 and the connector 136 are coupled
to each other by screwing the threaded portion 139 into the
threaded hole, a peripheral edge of the elastic body 140 is tucked
between the slide bearing 138 and the connector 136. The elastic
body 140 is thereby held on the surface of the end pusher 142.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 17, the elastic body 140 is made of an
elastic member having a plurality of holes 144 into which the
needle 6 can be pierced and which are arrayed in a mesh-like
pattern. The elastic body 140 is preferably made of, e.g., silicone
rubber, fluorine-contained rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or
polyurethane.
[0104] In use of the surgical instrument thus constructed, when the
lever 133 is turned down by the surgeon grasping the operating
section 2, the rod 126 is moved toward the distal end side together
with the joint 129 through the arm 131. Correspondingly, the end
pusher 142 is also moved toward the distal end side. With the
movement of the end pusher 142 toward the distal end side, the
elastic body 140 covering the end pusher 142 is pulled outward of
the distal end side. The holes 144 of the elastic body 140 are
elastically deformed by a tension caused upon the elastic body 140
being thus pulled outward. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 18, the
force of holding the needle 6 applied by the needle holding member
143 is increased. Thus, with this embodiment, the link mechanism
120 disposed in the operating section 2 and the end pusher 142
interlocked with the link mechanism 120 jointly realize a needle
holding force adjusting mechanism for elastically deforming the
elastic body 140 and variably adjusting the force of holding the
needle 6.
[0105] Usually, the adjustment of the holding force of the needle
holding member 143 is performed after, e.g., transfer of the needle
6. Therefore, operability in, for example, transferring the needle
6 from the needle carrier 10 to the surgical instrument 1 can be
maintained satisfactory.
[0106] In addition to substantially the same advantages as those
obtained with the first embodiment, this fourth embodiment can
provide an advantage that the needle can be held with higher
reliability because the force of holding the needle pierced into
the hole can be increased by the outward pulling of the needle
holding member.
[0107] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIG. 19.
[0108] This fifth embodiment differs from the above-described first
embodiment in that a plurality of cutouts are formed in a needle
holding member. The other similar components to those in the first
embodiment are denoted by the same numerals and a description of
those components is omitted here.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 19, a needle holding member 5 constituting
a treatment portion 4 has a plurality of cutouts 162 formed, for
example, in the circumferential direction and the longitudinal
axial direction.
[0110] With such a construction, for example, when the needle 6 is
transferred from the needle carrier 10 to the surgical instrument
1, the needle 6 is inserted into and caught by one of the cutouts
162. Thus, the needle 6 can be held by the needle holding member 5
without piercing the needle tip into the needle holding member 5.
Of course, the needle 6 can also be held by the needle holding
member 5 by piercing the needle tip into other portion of the
needle holding member 5 than the cutouts 162.
[0111] In addition to substantially the same advantages as those
obtained with the first embodiment, this fifth embodiment can
provide an advantage that, because of no need of piercing the
needle into the needle holding member, the operation necessary for
holding the needle on the needle holding member is facilitated and
operability can be further improved. Moreover, since the cutout is
able to hold the needle at other portion than the tip, even higher
operability can be realized.
[0112] A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIG. 20.
[0113] This sixth embodiment differs from the above-described first
embodiment in that a needle holding member is covered with an
adhesive layer. The other similar components to those in the first
embodiment are denoted by the same numerals and a description of
those components is omitted here.
[0114] As shown in FIG. 20, an adhesive layer 201 is formed on the
surface of a needle holding member 5 constituting a treatment
portion 4.
[0115] With such a construction, for example, when the needle 6 is
transferred from the needle carrier 10 to the surgical instrument
1, the needle 6 is brought into contact with the adhesive layer
201. Thus, the needle 6 can be held by the surface of the needle
holding member 5 without piercing the needle tip into the needle
holding member 5. Of course, the needle 6 can also be held by the
needle holding member 5 by piercing the needle tip into the needle
holding member 5.
[0116] In addition to substantially the same advantages as those
obtained with the first embodiment, this sixth embodiment can
provide an advantage that, because of no need of piercing the
needle into the needle holding member, the operation necessary for
holding the needle on the needle holding member is facilitated and
operability can be further improved. Moreover, since the adhesive
layer is able to hold the needle at other portion than the tip,
even higher operability can be realized.
[0117] A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIG. 21.
[0118] This seventh embodiment differs from the above-described
first embodiment in that a needle holding member includes a magnet
disposed inside an elastic body. The other similar components to
those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same numerals and
a description of those components is omitted here.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 21, a needle holding member 220 serving as
needle holding means comprises a magnet 221 having a substantially
conical tapered shape, for example, and an elastic body 224 fixed
to the surface of the magnet 221 by fusion. The elastic body 224 is
preferably made of, e.g., silicone rubber, fluorine-contained
rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or polyurethane.
[0120] A threaded hole 223 is formed in a base portion of the
magnet 221, and a threaded portion 222 projecting from the distal
end of an insert section 3 is screwed into the threaded hole 223.
The needle holding member 220 is thereby coupled to the insert
section 3.
[0121] With such a construction, when the needle 6 is transferred
from the needle carrier 10 to the surgical instrument 1, the needle
6 is attracted to the needle holding member 220 by a magnetic
force. Thus, the needle 6 can be held by the needle holding member
220 without piercing the needle tip into the elastic body 221. Of
course, the needle 6 can also be held by the needle holding member
5 by piercing the needle tip into the elastic body 221.
[0122] In addition to substantially the same advantages as those
obtained with the first embodiment, this seventh embodiment can
provide an advantage that, because even the needle positioned away
from the needle holding member can also be attracted to the magnet
in the treatment portion 4, the operation for holding again the
needle, which has been dropped, for example, in the body cavity,
can be easily performed.
[0123] An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIGS. 22 through 24.
[0124] This eighth embodiment differs from the above-described
third embodiment in the construction of a part of an operating
section and the construction of a treatment portion. The other
similar components to those in the third embodiment are denoted by
the same numerals and a description of those components is omitted
here.
[0125] In this embodiment, the link mechanism 40 is used to operate
a forceps structure, described later, instead of elastically
deforming the needle holding member 60.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 22, in this embodiment, a spring 252 is
disposed in a handle portion 42 to bias a joint 49 toward the
distal end side.
[0127] Also, as shown in FIGS. 22 through 24, a fixed pinching
piece 241 is coupled to the distal end of an insert section 3. More
specifically, the fixed pinching piece 241 has a substantially
cylindrical base portion 241a. The base portion 241a is fitted into
an outer sleeve 44 of the insert section 3 and is fixed by a screw
242 to be coupled to the insert section 3. A distal end portion of
a rod 46 penetrating through the outer sleeve 44 is inserted into
the center of the base portion 241a coupled to the insert section 3
such that the rod 46 is able to advance and retract in the
longitudinal axial direction.
[0128] A pinching surface portion 243 for pinching a needle, etc.
is integrally formed at the distal end side of the base portion
241a. The pinching surface portion 243 is made of a substantially
ring-shaped member having a through hole 244 formed in its central
area. The pinching surface portion 243 is disposed to extend along
a plane substantially in match with a plane containing a
longitudinal axis of the rod 46 and an axis of a pin 50. The
pinching surface portion 243 includes an elastic body 245
constituting a needle holding member 5, which is filled so as to
span from the backside of the pinching surface portion 243 to the
through hole 244.
[0129] At the distal end side of the fixed pinching piece 241, a
recess 241b is formed near a joint between the base portion 241a
and the pinching surface portion 243. A base portion 247b of a
movable pinching piece 247 is disposed in the recess 241b. Also, a
pin 246 lying parallel to the pin 50 is supported in the recess
241b. A base portion 247b of the movable pinching piece 247 is
pivotably supported by the pin 246. Further, the distal end portion
of the rod 46 is rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the base
portion 247 through the pin 248 lying parallel to the pin 246.
[0130] On the other hand, at the distal end side of the base
portion 247b of the movable pinching piece 247, a pinching surface
portion 249 is integrally formed in opposed relation to the
pinching surface portion 243. The pinching surface portion 249 is
made of a substantially ring-shaped member having a through hole
250 formed in its central area. The pinching surface portion 249
includes an elastic body 251 constituting the needle holding member
5, which is filled so as to span from the backside of the pinching
surface portion 249 to the through hole 250. With such an
arrangement, the forceps structure interlocked with the link
mechanism 40 is constituted in the treatment portion 4.
[0131] The elastic bodies 245 and 251 are each preferably made of,
e.g., silicone rubber, fluorine-contained rubber, polyvinyl
chloride, or polyurethane. Also, as shown in FIG. 23, the opposed
surfaces of the pinching surface portions 243 and 249 are
preferably subjected to a non-slipping process. Preferable examples
of the non-slipping process include electrical discharge machining,
knurling, and spray of minute diamonds onto a metal plating.
[0132] In use of the surgical instrument thus constructed, when the
lever 53 is turned down toward the handle portion 42, the joint 49
and the rod 46 are pulled toward the rear end side through the arm
51 against the biasing force of the spring 252. Correspondingly,
the movable pinching piece 247 is rotated about the pin 246. As a
result, the pinching surface portion 249 is moved toward the
pinching surface portion 243 for closing operation.
[0133] In addition to substantially the same advantages as those
obtained with the first embodiment, this eighth embodiment can
provide an advantage that, because of the forceps function being
added to the surgical instrument 1, it is possible not only to hold
the needle by the needle holding member 5, but also to hold the
needle or other tissue, etc. by the opening and closing operation
of the pinching surface portion 249. Therefore, the number of times
of replacing the surgical instruments during surgery can be
reduced.
[0134] A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIG. 25.
[0135] This ninth embodiment differs from the above-described first
embodiment in that an opening for sucking water is formed in a
treatment portion. The other similar components to those in the
first embodiment are denoted by the same numerals and a description
of those components is omitted here.
[0136] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, a needle holding
member 5 includes an elastic body 262 having a substantially
cylindrical shape. An opening 263 of a feed line communicating with
a suction pump (not shown) is formed at the distal end of the
elastic body 262. The elastic body 262 is preferably made of, e.g.,
silicone rubber, fluorine-contained rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or
polyurethane.
[0137] With such a construction, the surgical instrument 1 is able
to suck liquids, such as body fluids and contaminants near the
opening 263, by operation of the feed pump communicating with the
feed line.
[0138] In addition to substantially the same advantages as those
obtained with the first embodiment, this ninth embodiment can
provide an advantage that, because of the surgical instrument 1
having the additional water sucking function, the number of the
treatment instruments used can be reduced. In the surgery using the
endoscope, for example, it is possible to reduce the number of
ports to be incised in the patient body for insertion of the
treatment instruments, and to realize less-invasive surgery.
[0139] A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIG. 26.
[0140] This tenth embodiment differs from the above-described first
embodiment in that a blow opening is formed in a treatment portion.
The other similar components to those in the first embodiment are
denoted by the same numerals and a description of those components
is omitted here.
[0141] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, a needle holding
member 5 includes an elastic body 267 having a substantially
cylindrical shape. An opening 268 of a blow passage communicating
with a blower (not shown) is formed at the distal end of the
elastic body 267. The elastic body 267 is preferably made of, e.g.,
silicone rubber, fluorine-contained rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or
polyurethane.
[0142] With such a construction, the surgical instrument 1 is able
to remove liquids, such as body fluids and contaminants near the
opening 268, by operation of the blower communicating with the blow
passage.
[0143] In addition to substantially the same advantages as those
obtained with the first embodiment, this tenth embodiment can
provide an advantage that, because of the surgical instrument 1
having the additional blower function, the number of the treatment
instruments used can be reduced. In the surgery using the
endoscope, for example, it is possible to reduce the number of
ports to be incised in the patient body for insertion of the
treatment instruments, and to realize less-invasive surgery.
[0144] An eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28.
[0145] This eleventh embodiment differs from the above-described
first embodiment primarily in the construction of a needle holding
member. The other similar components to those in the first
embodiment are denoted by the same numerals and a description of
those components is omitted here.
[0146] As shown in FIG. 27, a stepped projection 324 having a
plurality of steps circumferentially formed on its outer periphery
is projected from the distal end of an insert section 3. A needle
holding member 320 serving as needle holding means, which
constitutes a treatment portion 4, is fitted to and supported by
the stepped projection 324. Alternatively, the needle holding
member 320 may be integrally formed with the stepped projection 324
by, e.g., insert molding.
[0147] In this embodiment, the needle holding member 320 is of a
two-layered structure having an outer layer 321 and an inner layer
322 each of which is made of an elastic body. The elastic body of
the inner layer 322 is more flexible than that of the outer layer
321. Various materials, such as silicone rubber, fluorine-contained
rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and polyurethane, can be preferably
used for the outer layer 321 and the inner layer 322 of the needle
holding member 320.
[0148] With such a construction, as shown in FIG. 28, the needle 6
held by the needle holding member 320 is able to not only rotate
about an axis 8 of rotation in a direction indicated by an arrow D
in the figure, but also to swing in directions indicated by arrows
E in the figure about a fulcrum, which is given by a point 323
where the needle is pierced into the outer layer 321, due to a
relative difference in hardness between the outer layer 321 and the
inner layer 322.
[0149] In addition to substantially the same advantages as those
obtained with the first embodiment, this eleventh embodiment can
provide an advantage that, when the surgeon draws the needle out of
a tissue, e.g., a blood vessel, while holding it by the needle
holding member 320, the needle 6 is allowed to move
three-dimensionally corresponding to a force applied from the
tissue. As a result, a tension exerted on the tissue can be more
effectively reduced.
[0150] A twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be
described below with reference to FIGS. 29 through 39.
[0151] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, a surgical
instrument 1 mainly comprises an operating section 2, an insert
section 3, and a clamping portion 404. The operating section 2 also
serves as a section grasped by the surgeon. The insert section 3 is
extended from one end of the operating section 2. The clamping
portion 404 is extended from a bent distal end portion of the
insert section 3.
[0152] The operating section 2 mainly comprises an operating
section body 421 and an operating button 422. The operating button
422 serves as an open/close operating member and is disposed in a
distal end portion of the operating section body 421 on its
circumferential surface at one side. The clamping portion 404
mainly comprises a clamping portion body 441 and an open/close
actuating member 442. The clamping portion body 441 serves as a
first clamping member and has a step. The open/close actuating
member 442 serves as a second clamping member.
[0153] The operating section body 421 is formed of a rigid member,
e.g., a resin member. The operating button 422 is formed of a rigid
resin member in consideration of a sliding property. The clamping
portion body 441 and an open/close actuating member 442 are each
formed of a metal member, e.g., stainless steel.
[0154] The operating section 2 will be described below with
reference to FIGS. 29 and 30.
[0155] An operating-section inner space 423 is formed in the
operating section body 421 constituting the operating section 2. A
button laid hole 424 communicating with the operating-section inner
space 423 is formed in a lateral surface of the operating section
body 421. A center axis of the button laid hole 424 is
substantially perpendicular to the direction of a longitudinal axis
of the operating section body 421.
[0156] A stepped hole 425 communicating with the operating-section
inner space 423 is formed at the center of a distal end wall of the
operating section body 421. The stepped hole 425 is constituted by
a small diameter hole 425a and a large diameter hole 425b.
Respective central axes of the small diameter hole 425a and the
large diameter hole 425b are coaxial with each other, and they are
substantially aligned with the direction of the longitudinal axis
of the operating section body 421.
[0157] Though not shown, the operating section body 421 is made up
of, for example, a cylindrical member having a proximal end opening
and a cover member closing the proximal end opening. The
cylindrical member and the cover member are integrally fixed
together by fixing means, e.g., bonding or heat sealing.
[0158] The operating button 422 is disposed in the button laid hole
424 from the side of the operating-section inner space 423 in such
a manner as being capable of freely advancing and retracting. The
operating button 422 is advanced and retracted in a direction
perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the
operating section body 421. The operating button 422 comprises a
button body 422a, a slip-off check portion 422b, and a projection
422d having a pressing surface 422c. The button body 422a is a
solid member and has a cross-section in the elliptic form, for
example. The slip-off check portion 422b is projected a
predetermined distance from a lateral surface of the button body
422a. The pressing surface 422c is sloped at a predetermined angle.
A recess 422e is formed in an end surface of the button body 422a.
The recess 422e is provided in consideration of operability when
the surgeon holds the operating section 2 by fingers for the
operation.
[0159] The lateral surface of the button body 422a serves as a
sliding surface. The slip-off check portion 422b abuts against an
inner peripheral surface 421a of the operating section body 421.
With such an arrangement, the operating button 422 is prevented
from slipping off to the outside of the operating section body 421.
The slope angle of the pressing surface 422c formed in the
projection 422d and the amount by which the projection 422d is
projected are set in consideration of the amount by which an
open/close force transmitting member 432, described later, is
moved.
[0160] On the other hand, a proximal end portion of an insert
section body 431 constituting the insert section 3 is integrally
fixed to the large diameter hole 425b of the stepped hole 425 by,
e.g., bonding. The insert section body 431 is formed of, e.g., a
stainless pipe-like member. Also, a transmitting rod 432 serving as
the open/close force transmitting member is inserted through the
small diameter hole 425a of the stepped hole 425. The transmitting
rod 432 is formed of, e.g., a stainless round rod. The transmitting
member 432 is disposed in an inner bore of the insert section body
431 in a slidable manner (i.e., in a freely advancing and
retracting manner). Additionally, the inner diameter of the small
diameter hole 425a and the inner diameter of the inner bore of the
insert section body 431 are substantially equal to each other.
[0161] An operating force transmitting block (hereinafter referred
to simply as a "transmitting block") 433 is integrally fixed to a
proximal end surface of the transmitting rod 432. The transmitting
block 433 has a sloped surface 433a. The sloped surface 433a is
formed to come into surface contact with the pressing surface 422c
of the operating button 422. The outer diameter of the transmitting
block 433 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the
transmitting rod 432 by a predetermined size. Between the
transmitting block 433 and an inner distal end surface 421b of the
operating section body 421, a block biasing coil spring
(hereinafter referred to simply as a "coil spring") 434 is disposed
in a compressed state. The coil spring 434 has a biasing force
acting to move the transmitting block 433 up to a position
indicated by broken lines.
[0162] The amount by which the projection 422d of the operating
section body 421 is projected is set in the state where the
slip-off check portion 422b is abutted against the inner peripheral
surface 421a. More specifically, that amount is set such that, as
indicated by solid lines in the figure, the pressing surface 422c
and the sloped surface 433a come into surface contact with each
other. Stated another way, the transmitting block 433 is biased by
the biasing force of the coil spring 434 so as to move up to a
position indicated by the broken lines. However, since the pressing
surface 422c is disposed in the state coming into surface contact
with the sloped surface 433a of the transmitting block 433, the
transmitting block 433 is restricted from further moving toward the
proximal end side. The position of the operating button 422 in that
state is here called the operation start position.
[0163] The relationship between the operating button 422 and the
transmitting block 433 will be described below.
[0164] A user depresses the operating button 422 located in the
operation start position. With movement of the operating button 422
in a direction indicated by an arrow F, the pressing surface 422c
is also moved in the direction indicated by the arrow F. At this
time, as the pressing surface 422c is moved while sliding over the
sloped surface 433a, the transmitting block 433 is gradually moved
in a direction indicated by an arrow G against the biasing force of
the coil spring 434.
[0165] Then, the operating button 422 is further moved in the
direction indicated by the arrow F to reach a maximum push-in
position where the slip-off check portion 422b abuts against a
lateral surface 433b of the transmitting block 433. Upon reaching
the maximum push-in position, the movement of the operating button
422 in the direction indicated by the arrow F is stopped and the
movement of the transmitting block 433 in the direction indicated
by the arrow G is also stopped. In other words, when the slip-off
check portion 422b of the operating button 422 abuts against the
lateral surface 433b of the transmitting block 433, the
transmitting rod 432 is brought into the state where it is
maximally stroked toward the distal end side of the insert section
body 431.
[0166] When, in that maximally stroked state, the user detaches the
finger away from the operating button 422 to release it from the
depressed state, the transmitting block 433 is moved by the biasing
force of the coil spring 434 toward the proximal end side, i.e., in
a direction opposed to the direction indicated by the arrow G. This
causes the pressing surface 422c to slide over the sloped surface
433a, whereby the operating button 422 is moved in a direction
opposed to the direction indicated by the arrow F. As a result, the
operating button 422 is returned again to the operation start
position.
[0167] The insert section 3 and the clamping portion 404 will be
described below with reference to FIGS. 29 through 32.
[0168] As shown in FIGS. 29 through 31, the insert section 3 is
constituted by the insert section body 431 in which the
transmitting rod 432 is slidably inserted. An insert-section distal
end extension 435 having a second axis is provided at a distal end
of the insert section body 431. The second axis of the
insert-section distal end extension 435 is bent with respect to a
first axis, i.e., the longitudinal central axis of the insert
section 3, at an angle .theta. in the range of, e.g., 90.degree. to
140.degree.. A rotation-allowing groove 435a is formed in an inner
peripheral surface of the insert-section distal end extension 435
in its distal end region. A projection 441c provided on the
clamping portion body 441 and serving as a rotatable holder
portion, described later, is rotatably fitted into the
rotation-allowing groove 435a.
[0169] Further, an open/close force transmitting surface
(hereinafter referred to simply as a "transmitting surface") 432a
formed to slope at a predetermined angle and serving as a second
contact surface is formed at a distal end of the transmitting rod
432. The transmitting surface 432a contacts with a first contact
surface, i.e., a receiving surface 443b of a receiving member 443,
described later, which is fixed to the open/close actuating member
442.
[0170] On the other hand, the clamping portion 404 comprises the
clamping portion body 441, the open/close actuating member 442, the
receiving member 443, and a clamping bias spring (hereinafter
referred to simply as a "clamping spring") 444.
[0171] The clamping portion body 441 is formed of a stepped
cylindrical member. The clamping portion body 441 is constituted by
a small diameter portion 441a, a large diameter portion 441b, and a
projection 441c which are continuously formed in this order from
the distal end side. A through hole 441d is formed in the small
diameter portion 441a. The distal end side of the small diameter
portion 441a is constituted as one grasping portion. In the large
diameter portion 441b and the projection 441c, a bore 441e is
formed at a depth set to a predetermined size from a proximal end
surface of the clamping portion body 441. The projection 441c of
the clamping portion body 441 is fitted into the rotation-allowing
groove 435a, whereby the clamping portion body 441 is rotatably
supported such that it is extended from the insert-section distal
end extension 435 while being inclined at a predetermined
angle.
[0172] The open/close actuating member 442 is constituted by a
shaft portion 442a and a flange portion 442b. The shaft portion
442a has a predetermined length and is disposed in the through hole
441d in a slidable manner (i.e., in a freely advancing and
retracting manner). The flange portion 442b is provided at the
distal end of the shaft portion 442a. The flange portion 442b
serves as the other grasping portion, and the outer diameter of the
flange portion 442b is substantially equal to the outer diameter of
the small diameter portion 441a.
[0173] Thus, the direction of an axis of rotation of the rotatable
clamping portion body 441 is the same as the direction in which the
open/close actuating member 442 is opened and closed. In this
embodiment, the flange portion 442b has a circular shape. However,
the shape of the flange portion 442b is not limited to a circle so
long as it is able to clamp a needle. Stated another way, the
flange portion 442b may have other suitable shape, such as an
elliptic shape or a partly recessed polygonal shape, so long as it
has one or more portions radially extending from an axis of the
shaft portion 442a.
[0174] The receiving member 443 is constituted by a columnar
portion 443a and a conical portion 443c having the receiving
surface 443b. The columnar portion 443a is slidably disposed in the
bore 441e. The receiving surface 443b is formed at a predetermined
slope angle such that the transmitting surface 432a contacts with
the receiving surface 443b. The receiving member 443 is integrally
fixed to the proximal end of the shaft portion 442a by, e.g.,
bonding.
[0175] The clamping spring 444 is a coil spring having a
predetermined biasing force. The clamping spring 444 is disposed in
a compressed state between a bottom surface 441f of the bore 441e
and a distal end surface of the receiving member 443. In such an
arrangement, the receiving member 443 is moved by the biasing force
of the clamping spring 444 in a direction in which the receiving
member 443 is going to be expelled out of an end opening of the
bore 441e. At this time, however, a proximal end flat surface 442c
of the flange portion 442b abuts against a distal end flat surface
441g of the clamping portion body 441 and comes into close contact
with it. Accordingly, the distal end of the columnar portion 443a
is prevented from slipping off from the bore 441e and is kept in a
state positioned in the bore 441e.
[0176] In addition, the projection 441c is rotatably disposed in
the rotation-allowing groove 435a. In the sate where the proximal
end flat surface 442c and the distal end flat surface 441g are in
close contact with each other, therefore, the clamping portion 404
is easily and passively rotatable with respect to the
insert-section distal end extension 435, as indicated by an arrow
H, upon receiving an external force. The clamping portion 404
comprises the clamping portion body 441, the open/close actuating
member 442, the receiving member 443, and the clamping spring
444.
[0177] As shown in FIG. 31, the proximal end flat surface 442c of
the flange portion 442b is closely contacted with the distal end
flat surface 441g of the clamping portion body 441. In that close
contact state, the receiving surface 443b and the transmitting
surface 432a are in a first position where a slight gap is formed
between the receiving surface 443b and the transmitting surface
432a. That positional state is made corresponding to the operation
start position of the operating button 422. In other words, the
length of the transmitting rod 432 is set such that a slight gap is
formed between the transmitting surface 432a and the receiving
surface 443b in the state of the operating button 422 being placed
in the operation start position.
[0178] The relationship among the operating button 422, the
transmitting rod 432, and the clamping portion 404 will be
described below.
[0179] The user depresses the operating button 422 located in the
operation start position. With the depression of the operating
button 422, as described above, the pressing surface 422c is moved
while sliding over the sloped surface 433a. Correspondingly, the
transmitting block 433 is gradually moved in the direction
indicated by the arrow G against the biasing force of the coil
spring 434. Thus, the transmitting block 433 is moved toward the
distal end side of the insert section 3.
[0180] At this time, the transmitting surface 432a is moved while
sliding over the receiving surface 443b. Accordingly, the columnar
portion 443a of the receiving member 443 is moved against the
biasing force of the clamping spring 444 such that it is gradually
pushed into the bore 441e in a direction indicated by an arrow J.
As a result, the proximal end flat surface 442c and the distal end
flat surface 441g held in the close contact state so far are
gradually spaced from each other.
[0181] When the operating button 422 is further depressed up to the
maximum push-in position, the transmitting surface 432a of the
transmitting rod 432 is located on the receiving surface 443b in
the state where the transmitting surface 432a is maximally moved
toward the insert-section distal end side of the insert section 3.
This position corresponds to a second position shown in FIG. 32. At
this time, the columnar portion 443a is pushed into the bore 441e
by a predetermined amount. As a result, the proximal end flat
surface 442c and the distal end flat surface 441g come into a state
spaced from each other by a predetermined distance.
[0182] In that state, the user detaches the finger away from the
operating button 422 to release it from the depressed state.
Responsively, the transmitting block 433 is moved by the biasing
force of the coil spring 434 toward the proximal end side, i.e., in
the direction opposed to the direction indicated by the arrow G.
This causes the transmitting rod 432 to be moved in the direction
opposed to the direction indicated by the arrow G, whereby the
transmitting surface 432a is gradually returned to its original
position. At this time, the receiving member 443 is moved by the
biasing force of the clamping spring 444 in a direction opposed to
the direction indicated by the arrow F. Thus, the operating button
422 is moved in the direction opposed to the direction indicated by
the arrow F and is returned again to the operation start position.
Also, the receiving member 443 is moved in the direction opposed to
the direction indicated by the arrow J, whereby the proximal end
flat surface 442c and the distal end flat surface 441g are returned
again to the close contact state shown in FIG. 31.
[0183] The operation of the thus-constructed surgical instrument 1
will be described below with reference to FIGS. 33 through 36.
[0184] Let us now look at an operation of drawing out a suturing
needle 453 in the form of a curved needle, which is inserted into a
first luminal organ 451 and a second luminal organ 452 with a
needle carrier (not shown), by using the surgical instrument 1. The
insert section body 431 of the surgical instrument 1 is already
introduced into a body cavity through a trocar 456 stuck in a
patient body wall 455.
[0185] The operation of drawing out the suturing needle 453, which
includes a suturing thread 457 attached to the proximal end of the
needle, while using an endoscope, is performed as follows.
[0186] First, the clamping portion 404 is placed to face a tip of
the suturing needle 453 projecting out of the second luminal organ
452 and the second luminal organ 452. Then, the operating button
422 is depressed. With the depression of the operating button 422,
the proximal end flat surface 442c of the open/close actuating
member 442 and the distal end flat surface 441g of the clamping
portion body 441 constituting the clamping portion 404 are spaced
from each other. The tip 453a of the suturing needle 453 is placed
between the proximal end flat surface 442c and the distal end flat
surface 441g.
[0187] Here, it is confirmed that the tip 453a of the suturing
needle 453 is placed between the proximal end flat surface 442c and
the distal end flat surface 441g. After the confirmation, the
operating button 422 is gradually released from the depressed
state. Responsively, the proximal end flat surface 442c and the
distal end flat surface 441g are gradually brought into a closed
state. Also, the tip 453a of the suturing needle 453 comes into a
state grasped by the clamping portion 404 as shown in FIG. 33.
[0188] Numeral 458 denotes a portion which has been sutured with
the suturing thread 457. Numeral 459 denotes an opening to be
sutured, which has been incised by a surgical knife or
scissors.
[0189] Then, as shown in FIGS. 34, 35 and 36, the surgical
instrument 1 is pulled outward to draw the insert section body 431
out of the body cavity as indicated by an arrow K, and at the same
time the insert section body 431 is inclined within a limited
range. With that inclination, the clamping portion 404 in the state
grasping the suturing needle 453 is passively rotated about the
second axis relative to the insert-section distal end extension
435. As a result, the suturing needle 453 is drawn out of the first
luminal organ 451 and the second luminal organ 452 while gradually
changing a path along which the suturing needle 453 is moved.
[0190] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, when the insert
section body 431 is drawn out, an external force is applied to the
suturing needle 453, thus generating a rotary motion on the
clamping portion 404 with the resulting moment. This causes the
clamping portion 404 to be passively rotated about a fulcrum that
is given by a point where the suturing needle 453 is pierced into
the luminal organ. Therefore, the suturing needle 453 can be drawn
out in a natural way without exerting an undue tension on the
luminal organs 451 and 452.
[0191] Stated another way, after grasping the suturing needle 453
by the clamping portion 404 as shown in FIG. 33, the surgeon pulls
the surgical instrument 1 to be drawn out of the body cavity and/or
inclines the insert section body 431 within a limited range without
performing complicated operations at hand. Correspondingly, the
clamping portion 404 is rotated about the fulcrum, i.e., the
piercing point of the suturing needle 453, such that the path along
which the suturing needle 453 is drawn out is gradually
changed.
[0192] In this way, the suturing needle 453 is drawn out of the
first luminal organ 451 as shown in FIG. 34. Then, as. shown in
FIG. 35, the suturing needle 453 is moved relative to the second
luminal organ 452. Finally, the suturing needle 453 is drawn out of
the second luminal organ 452 as shown in FIG. 36, whereby one
stitch of suturing the opening 459 to be anastomosed is completed.
Subsequently, the surgeon repeats the operations of inserting the
suturing needle 453 by using the needle carrier (not shown) and
drawing out the suturing needle 453 by using the surgical
instrument 1.
[0193] In short, the clamping portion body constituting the
clamping portion is provided to the insert-section distal end
extension in an easily and passively rotatable manner. Also, the
clamping portion made up of the clamping portion body, the
open/close actuating member, the receiving member and the clamping
spring is constituted such that, in the state where the proximal
end flat surface of the open/close actuating member and the distal
end flat surface of the clamping portion body are in the closed
state by the biasing force of the clamping spring, the clamping
portion is rotatable upon receiving an external force. With those
features, the suturing needle can be quickly drawn out of the
luminal organ, etc. by, in the state where the suturing needle is
grasped by the clamping portion, pulling up the surgical instrument
to be drawn out of the body cavity with no necessity of operating
the surgical instrument in a complicated manner.
[0194] Thus, the operation of drawing out the needle in the body
cavity can be easily performed. Accordingly, the burden imposed on
the surgeon can be reduced, and the surgery time can be shortened.
Further, manual techniques necessary for the surgery can be learned
in a shorter time because of no necessity of operating the surgical
instrument in a complicated manner.
[0195] The construction of the clamping portion 404 is not limited
to the above-described embodiment, and the open/close actuating
member 442 disposed in the clamping portion body 441 may be
modified to construct a clamping portion 404A, as shown in FIG.
37.
[0196] In an open/close actuating member 445 of this modification,
a rod 442d having a spherical portion 442e is provided at a distal
end surface of the flange portion 442b. The flange portion 442b has
the proximal end flat surface 442c coming into close contact with
the distal end flat surface 441g of the clamping portion body 441.
The other construction is similar to that of the above-described
twelfth embodiment. The same components are denoted by the same
numerals and a description of those components is omitted here.
[0197] The operation of the clamping portion 404A including the
open/close actuating member 445 will be described below.
[0198] First, as shown in FIG. 38, since the rod 442d having the
spherical portion 442e is provided at the distal end surface of the
flange portion 442b, the operation of moving a thread, i.e., the
thread handling, can be performed in the body cavity by catching
the suturing thread 457 over the spherical portion 442e without
grasping the thread. Also, with the provision of the spherical
portion 442e at the distal end of the rod 442d, the luminal organ
can be prevented from being damaged in the operation of moving the
thread.
[0199] Further, as shown in FIG. 39, since the rod 442d having the
spherical portion 442e is provided at the distal end surface of the
flange portion 442b, the rod 442d can be inserted into the opening
459 to be anastomosed, for example, for lifting the first luminal
organ 451 upward. In trying to roll a visual field, therefore, the
surgeon can easily roll the visual field without grasping the
luminal organ. Also, with the provision of the spherical portion
442e at the distal end of the rod 442d, the luminal organ can be
prevented from being damaged in the operation of rolling the visual
field.
[0200] Thus, because the clamping portion comprises the clamping
portion body and the open/close actuating member that includes the
rod having the spherical portion, the operation of moving the
thread and/or the luminal organ can be easily and safely performed
while moving the clamping portion with no need of grasping the
target to be treated. As a result, operability of the surgical
instrument in the body cavity can be further improved.
[0201] It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited
only to the above-described embodiments and can be practiced in
various forms without departing from the gist of the present
invention.
* * * * *