U.S. patent application number 13/689499 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-06 for surgical forceps.
This patent application is currently assigned to Alfred E.Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California. The applicant listed for this patent is Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California. Invention is credited to Sudeep Deshpande, Ricardo G. Hahn, Afshin Nadershahi.
Application Number | 20130144313 13/689499 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47430079 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130144313 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hahn; Ricardo G. ; et
al. |
June 6, 2013 |
SURGICAL FORCEPS
Abstract
This application presents a bifurcated, optimally-angled
surgical forceps. In one example, this surgical forceps may enable
a more natural maneuver for initial clamping of the vas deferens
through the scrotal skin. This may be more comfortable for users
and easier to maintain, and may provide greater tactile surface
contact between the thumb and vas deferens. This device also may
provide the surgeon with an entire segment of vas deferens upon
which the vasectomy may be performed, thus reducing the need for
frequent repositioning of instruments. The device may also be
applied to other surgical procedures that may benefit from the
features of the device and where a section of a tubular anatomical
structure may need clamping at two points along its length.
Examples include blood and lymphatic vessels, ducts of the
digestive system, and large nerves or nerve bundles.
Inventors: |
Hahn; Ricardo G.; (Ojai,
CA) ; Nadershahi; Afshin; (Northridge, CA) ;
Deshpande; Sudeep; (Los Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
at the University of Southern California; Alfred E. Mann Institute
for Biomedical Engineering |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Alfred E.Mann Institute for
Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern
California
Los Angeles
CA
|
Family ID: |
47430079 |
Appl. No.: |
13/689499 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61565628 |
Dec 1, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/142 ;
606/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 6/202 20130101;
A61B 2017/00265 20130101; A61B 17/128 20130101; A61F 6/204
20130101; A61B 2017/2837 20130101; A61F 6/206 20130101; A61B 17/282
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/142 ;
606/207 |
International
Class: |
A61F 6/20 20060101
A61F006/20; A61B 17/128 20060101 A61B017/128; A61B 17/28 20060101
A61B017/28 |
Claims
1. A surgical forceps having a proximal end and a distal end
comprising: a first elongated arm and a second elongated arm; a
hinge, wherein the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm
are pivoted at the hinge; a first finger grip at the proximal end
of the first elongated arm; a second finger grip at the proximal
end of the second elongated arm; a ratcheting mechanism comprising
a first ratchet on the first elongated arm adjacent to the first
finger grip and a second ratchet on the second elongated arm
adjacent to the second finger grip, wherein the first ratchet
engages with the second ratchet as the finger grips are brought
toward one another; a first jaw at a distal end of the first
elongated arm, wherein the first jaw is bifurcated to form a first
branch and a second branch; and wherein the first branch further
comprises a first tip at the distal end of the surgical forceps,
and wherein the second branch further comprises a second tip at the
distal end of the surgical forceps; a second jaw at a distal end of
the second elongated arm, wherein the second jaw is bifurcated to
form a third branch and a fourth branch; and wherein the third
branch further comprises a third tip at the distal end of the
surgical forceps, and wherein the fourth branch further comprises a
fourth tip at the distal end of the surgical forceps; and wherein,
when the ratchets are engaged, the first tip and the third tip form
a first curved enclosure, and the second tip and the fourth tip
form a second curved enclosure.
2. The surgical forceps of the claim 1, wherein, when the ratchets
are engaged; the first jaw and the second jaw form a first plane;
and the first finger grip, the second finger grip, the first
elongated arm, and the second elongated arm form a second plane;
wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to
each other.
3. The surgical forceps of the claim 1, wherein, when the ratchets
are engaged; the first jaw and the second jaw form a first plane;
and the first finger grip, the second finger grip, the first
elongated arm, and the second elongated arm form a second plane;
wherein the first plane and the second plane are at an oblique
angle to each other.
4. The surgical forceps of the claim 1, wherein the first elongated
arm, the second elongated arm, the hinge, or combinations thereof
are bent at an angle.
5. The surgical forceps of the claim 4, wherein the first elongated
arm and the second elongated arm are both bent at an angle.
6. The surgical forceps of the claim 4, wherein the hinge is bent
at an angle.
7. The surgical forceps of the claim 1, wherein the surgical
forceps further comprises a stem located between the hinge and the
distal end of the surgical forceps; and wherein the stem has a
broad base.
8. The surgical forceps of the claim 1, wherein the distance
between the two branches of the first jaw and the distance between
the two branches of the second jaw are equal.
9. The surgical forceps of the claim 8, wherein said equal distance
is at least 10 millimeters.
10. The surgical forceps of the claim 9, wherein said equal
distance varies within the range of 10 millimeters to 30
millimeters.
11. The surgical forceps of the claim 1, wherein the first curved
enclosure and the second curved enclosure are circular.
12. The surgical forceps of the claim 11, wherein the first curved
enclosure and the second curved enclosure have the same diameter,
wherein the said diameter is at least 3 millimeters.
13. The surgical forceps of the claim 11, wherein the first curved
enclosure and the second curved enclosure have the equal diameter,
wherein the said diameter varies in the range of 3 millimeters to 5
millimeters.
14. The surgical forceps of the claim 1, wherein the tips are
configured to apply at least one surgical clip.
15. A method for performing a vasectomy comprising: pinching the
vas deferens with fingers, clamping the vas deferens with the
surgical forceps of claim 1 at two locations, and occluding the vas
deferens.
16. A method for performing a vasectomy comprising: pinching the
vas deferens with fingers, clamping the vas deferens with the
surgical forceps of claim 4 at two locations, separating the vas
deferens from the surrounding tissue, and flipping the surgical
forceps prior to occluding the vas deferens.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/565,628, filed Dec. 1, 2011,
attorney docket no. 064693-0260, entitled "Vasectomy Forceps", the
entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This application relates generally to medical instruments,
particularly surgical forceps for examinations and operations. This
application further relates to vasectomy forceps. This application
also relates to performing a vasectomy.
[0004] 2. General Background and State of the Art
[0005] Vasectomy is a male birth control surgical procedure that
involves severing the vas deferens and tying and/or sealing the
ends, preventing the entry of sperm into the seminal stream. The
procedure is often carried out in a physician's office or clinic
and is done under local anesthesia. The two widely used methods for
performing a vasectomy are "traditional" and "no-scalpel."
[0006] In the "traditional" method, the surgeon makes an incision
on the scrotum to access and directly clamp the vas deferens. The
surgeon then occludes a small piece of the vas deferens and seals
the ends by suturing, cauterizing or applying surgical clips, or
employing a combination of sealing methods. The procedure is done
for both vas deferentia.
[0007] The "no-scalpel" method involves the surgeon accessing the
vas deferens by puncturing the scrotum with a sharp hemostat,
usually after clamping the vas deferens through the scrotal skin.
The surgeon first locates the vas deferens through the scrotum,
typically by rolling the vas deferens between the thumb, index and
middle fingers. Efficiency in locating the vas deferens by feel
requires experience. Once the vas deferens has been located and
isolated from other structures through the scrotal skin, it is
pushed toward the surface to enable clamping. In general practice,
the surgeon uses one finger on the underside of the pinched scrotal
skin to push the vas deferens between his two fingers on the
opposing (upper) side. This forces a segment of the vas deferens to
a position close to the surface where it can be clamped.
[0008] The vas deferens is exposed from the puncture site using
various forceps. The surgeon then occludes the vas deferens and
seals the severed ends by suturing, cauterizing or applying
surgical clips, or employing a combination of sealing methods. The
procedure is done for both vas deferentia. No-scalpel vasectomy was
disclosed in detail in a document entitled "No-Scalpel Vasectomy. A
Training Course for Vasectomy Providers and Assistants" 2.sup.nd
Edition, published by EngenderHealth in 2007. Entire content of
this document is incorporated herein by reference.
[0009] Various types of vasectomy forceps used to clamp the vas
deferens are available in the market. Most forceps used in
vasectomies consist of an intersecting pair of scissoring arms with
a ratcheting mechanism to maintain the desired clamping pressure
and tips shaped to grasp the tissue (in this case the vas deferens)
in a certain way. For example, the distal end of the ring-type
vasectomy forceps consists of a single pair of half-hooks on
opposing arms that come together to form a ring, between which the
vas deferens is clamped. Often, several types of forceps are used
in a single procedure. A plurality of forceps may be used
simultaneously to clamp the exposed vas deferens at two locations,
enabling the surgeon to occlude and seal the vas deferens between
two clamped points.
[0010] The following are a few types of commonly used vasectomy
forceps available in the market: ring-type (cantilevered or
non-cantilevered); teardrop; ball-end (non-penetrating); hemostat
(Mosquito forceps--Halstrad or Kelly; curved or straight); and
tissue forceps (Allis forceps or surgical tweezers).
[0011] Several problems with current tools and methods of
no-scalpel vasectomy exist. For example, the wrist action currently
required to push the vas deferens to the surface of the scrotum
feels unnatural, is uncomfortable, and is difficult to maintain.
Furthermore, the use of the index finger, middle finger, or tip of
the thumb to push the vas deferens between the other two fingers
provides little tactile surface against the vas deferens, making
isolation and positioning of the vas deferens difficult.
[0012] Additionally, existing forceps require much maneuvering and
transferring of the vas deferens between different forceps
throughout the procedure, in order to occlude and seal the vas
deferens on both sides of the clamp.
[0013] Furthermore, during surgery, the surgeon typically locates
the vas deferens from the exterior of the scrotum by rolling the
vas deferens between the fingers and thumb. Once the vas deferens
is located and the segment is pushed outward towards the surgeon,
the approach direction for clamping the vas deferens is often from
the side (along the patient's abdomen) rather than from the top of
the patient. The grasping and clamping of the vas deferens with a
straight tool in this position typically make it cumbersome for the
surgeon. Use of a straight tool would further occlude the intended
clamping site.
SUMMARY
[0014] This application presents surgical forceps that may be used
to clamp tubular anatomical structures at least at two points.
[0015] For example, this surgical forceps enables a more natural
maneuver for initial clamping of the vas deferens through the
scrotal skin, as it is clamped on both sides of a downwardly
pressed thumb (against pressure from the index and middle fingers
on the opposing side of the pinched scrotal skin). This maneuver
resembles that commonly used in routine physical examinations,
which is more familiar to practitioners, is more comfortable and
easier to maintain given its more natural wrist position, and
provides greater tactile surface contact between the thumb and vas
deferens. This device may therefore be especially beneficial for
less experienced surgeons who perform vasectomies. The device may
additionally provide a hemostatic function by compressing small
blood vessels at each end of a segment of vas deferens, thereby
keeping the surgical site clear of blood.
[0016] This surgical forceps also provides the surgeon with an
entire segment of vas deferens (not just a clamped loop) upon which
the vasectomy may be performed, thus reducing the need for frequent
repositioning of instruments. Once the vas deferens is located,
grasped and clamped, local anesthetic may then easily be injected
at each end of the vas deferens segment. The vasectomy forceps
reduces the need to constantly re-adjust the surgical site while
providing a means to manipulate the surgical site without losing
grasp over the segment of vas deferens.
[0017] The surgical forceps may also be applied to other surgical
procedures that may benefit from the features of the device and
where a section of a tube-type vessel or duct may need clamping at
two points along its length. Examples include blood and lymphatic
vessels, ducts of the digestive system, and large nerves or nerve
bundles.
[0018] The surgical forceps has a proximal end and a distal end.
The surgical forceps may comprise a first elongated arm, a second
elongated arm, a hinge, a first finger grip at the proximal end of
the first elongated arm, a second finger grip at the proximal end
of the second elongated arm, a ratcheting mechanism, a first jaw at
a distal end of the first elongated arm, and a second jaw at a
distal end of the second elongated arm. The first elongated arm and
the second elongated arm may be pivoted at the hinge.
[0019] The ratcheting mechanism may comprise a first ratchet on the
first elongated arm adjacent to the first finger grip and a second
ratchet on the second elongated arm adjacent to the second finger
grip. The first ratchet may engage with the second ratchet as the
finger grips are brought toward one another.
[0020] The first jaw may be bifurcated to form a first branch and a
second branch. The first branch may further comprise a first tip at
the distal end of the surgical forceps. The second branch may
further comprise a second tip at the distal end of the surgical
forceps.
[0021] The second jaw may be bifurcated to form a third branch and
a fourth branch. The third branch may further comprise a third tip
at the distal end of the surgical forceps. The fourth branch may
further comprise a fourth tip at the distal end of the surgical
forceps. The first curved enclosure and the second curved enclosure
may be both circular. The first curved enclosure and the second
curved enclosure may have the same diameter. The same diameter may
be at least 3 millimeters. The same diameter may vary in the range
of 3 millimeters to 5 millimeters.
[0022] When the ratchets are engaged, the first tip and the third
tip may form a first curved enclosure, and the second tip and the
fourth tip may form a second curved enclosure.
[0023] When the ratchets are engaged; the first jaw and the second
jaw may form a first plane. The first finger grip, the second
finger grip, the first elongated arm, and the second elongated arm
may form a second plane. In one embodiment, the first plane and the
second plane may be perpendicular to each other. In another
embodiment, the first plane and the second plane may be at an
oblique angle to each other.
[0024] The first elongated arm, the second elongated arm, the
hinge, or combinations thereof may be bent at an angle. In one
embodiment, the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm
may be both bent at an angle. In another embodiment, the hinge may
be bent at an angle.
[0025] The surgical forceps may further comprise a stem located
between the hinge and the distal end of the surgical forceps. The
stem may have a broad base.
[0026] The distance between the two branches of the first jaw and
the distance between the two branches of the second jaw may be
equal. This equal distance may be at least 10 millimeters. This
equal distance may also vary within the range of 10 millimeters to
30 millimeters.
[0027] The tips may be configured to apply at least one surgical
clip.
[0028] This application further presents a method that may use
surgical forceps to perform a vasectomy. This method may comprise
pinching the vas deferens with fingers, clamping the vas deferens
with the surgical forceps at two locations, and occluding the vas
deferens. In another embodiment, this method may comprise pinching
the vas deferens with fingers, clamping the vas deferens with the
surgical forceps at two locations, separating the vas deferens from
the surrounding tissue, and flipping the surgical forceps prior to
occluding the vas deferens.
[0029] It is understood that other embodiments of the devices and
methods will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description, wherein only exemplary
embodiments of the devices, methods and systems are shown and
described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the devices
and systems are capable of other and different embodiments and
their several details are capable of modification in various other
respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are
to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Aspects of the surgical forceps are illustrated by way of
example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary surgical forceps
in a closed position; and
[0032] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary surgical forceps of
FIG. 1 in a slightly open position.
[0033] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the exemplary surgical
forceps of FIG. 1 in an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary
embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments
in which the retractors can be practiced. The term "exemplary" used
throughout this description means "serving as an example, instance,
or illustration," and should not necessarily be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed
description includes specific details for the purpose of providing
a thorough understanding of the retractors. However, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the forceps and may be
practiced without these specific details.
[0035] This application presents surgical forceps that may be used
to clamp tubular anatomical structures at least at two points.
[0036] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary surgical
forceps 100 in a closed position, and FIG. 2 depicts a side view of
the exemplary surgical forceps 100 of FIG. 1 in a slightly open
position. FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the exemplary surgical
forceps 100 of FIG. 1 in an open position. The surgical forceps may
be constructed with a rigid material such as metal or plastic. The
forceps may be re-usable or single-use disposable.
[0037] A surgical forceps has a proximal end and a distal end and
may comprise a first elongated arm 101 and a second elongated arm
102, a hinge 103, a first finger grip 113 at the proximal end of
the first elongated arm, a second finger grip 112 at the proximal
end of the second elongated arm, a ratcheting mechanism comprising
a first ratchet 110 on the first arm adjacent to the first finger
grip and a second ratchet 111 on the second arm adjacent to the
second finger grip, a first jaw 104 at a distal end of the first
elongated arm, and a second jaw 107 at a distal end of the second
elongated arm. The first elongated arm 101 and the second elongated
arm 102 may be pivoted at the hinge 103. The first ratchet 110 may
engage with the second ratchet 111 as the finger grips are brought
toward one another. The first jaw may be bifurcated to form a first
branch 131 and a second branch 132. The first branch 131 may
further comprise a first tip 105 at the distal end of the surgical
forceps. The second branch 132 may further comprise a second tip
106. The second jaw 107 may be bifurcated to form a third branch
133 and a fourth branch 134. The third branch 133 may further
comprise a third tip 108 at the distal end of the surgical forceps.
The fourth branch 134 may further comprise a fourth tip 109.
[0038] Each elongated arm 101 and 102 may be pivoted at the hinge
103 to create the scissoring action. Finger grips 113 and 112 may
allow a user to place her fingers in and operate the forceps at one
end while engaging the jaws 104 and 107 for the clamping action at
the other. The user may use the ratcheting mechanism to lock the
forceps in the desired position. The finger grips 113 and 112 side
of the forceps shall be referred to as the proximal end while the
jaw 104 and 107 side of the forceps shall be referred to as the
distal end.
[0039] When the ratchets 110 and 111 are engaged; the first jaw 104
and the second jaw 107 may form a first plane; and the first finger
grip 113 together with the first elongated arm 101 and the second
finger grip 112 together with the second elongated arm 102 may form
a second plane. The first plane and the second plane may be at a
perpendicular or an oblique angle to each other.
[0040] The surgical forceps may further comprise stems 141 and 142
located between the hinge and the distal end of the surgical
forceps. The stems 141 and 142 may have a broad base to provide
strength and stability against bending and misalignment of the jaws
when the elongated arms are brought together repetitively after
many surgical procedures.
[0041] In one embodiment, the tips 105, 106, 108 and 109 may be
flat. In another embodiment, the tips may individually be curved.
The tip may have any curved shape. Examples of the curved shapes
are circular, elliptical, oval, undulated, and teardrop shapes.
Square, rectangular and triangular tips are also possible.
Combinations of these shapes are also possible.
[0042] In one embodiment, the first branch 131 may further comprise
a first tip 105 at the distal end of the surgical forceps 100. The
second branch 132 may further comprise a second tip 106. The third
branch 133 may further comprise a third tip 108 at the distal end
of the surgical forceps 100. The fourth branch 134 may further
comprise a fourth tip 109. In one embodiment, when the ratchets are
engaged, the first tip opposes the third tip, and the second tip
opposes the fourth tip. The first tip and the third tip may form a
first enclosure, and the second tip and the fourth tip may form a
second enclosure. The first enclosure and the second enclosure may
be curved. The first enclosure and the second enclosure may also be
circular. The first circular enclosure and the second circular
enclosure may have the same diameter. The diameter of these
enclosures may be at least 3 millimeters for surgical operations
involving the vas deferens. The at least 3 millimeters diameters
may also be suitable for surgical operations involving variety of
tubular anatomic structures, for example, some larger diameter
blood vessels, intestines, fallopian tubes, and bile duct. The
diameter of these circular enclosures may vary in the range of 3
millimeters to 5 millimeters. The circular enclosure diameters
smaller than 3 millimeters are also possible, for example, for
surgical operations involving nerves, smaller diameter blood
vessels, and nerve sheaths.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, at the distal end, the tips 105,
106, 108 and 109 may come together when the user brings the
elongated arms 101 and 102 to a closed position. In another
embodiment, the tips 105, 106, 108 and 109 may form an enclosure in
the closed position of the device as shown in FIG. 1. In yet
another embodiment, the enclosures formed by the tips 105, 106, 108
and 109 may clamp the vas deferens through the scrotal skin. The
enclosures formed by the tips 105, 106, 108 and 109 may also
provide a hemostatic function by compressing small blood vessels at
each end of a segment of vas deferens, thereby keeping the surgical
site clear of blood. The diameter of the circular enclosures may be
in the range of 3 millimeters to 5 millimeters to accommodate the
vas deferens and thickness of the scrotal skin. In an exemplary
embodiment, the circular enclosure diameter may be about 4
millimeters. This about 4 millimeters circular enclosure diameter
may provide a deeper grasping action to clamp around the vas
deferens through the scrotum.
[0044] During the vasectomy, the thumb and located vas deferens
segment may be passed between the branches of each jaw and the vas
deferens segment may then be grasped by the tips and clamped in
place. In one embodiment, the distance between the two branches of
the first jaw 104 and the distance between the two branches of the
second jaw 107 may have equal distance. This equal distance may be
at least 10 millimeters to accommodate the width of a human thumb
tip for surgical operations involving the vas deferens. The equal
distance may vary in the range of 10 millimeters to 30 millimeters
to surgically operate on the vas deferens. For other types of
surgical operations, the equal distance may suitable vary to
accommodate different lengths of anatomical structures.
[0045] In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the surgical
forceps 100 may be angled to improve visibility and access to the
scrotum and vas deferens. The angled forceps may provide the
surgeon with improved visualization and reduced time for grasping,
while the ergonomic design of the forceps provides for comfortable
application of the device onto the scrotum. In one embodiment, the
forceps may be flipped after clamping the vas deferens to angle the
tips upward to hoist the vas deferens up from the surgical field,
thereby providing the surgeon with a better presentation of the
surgical site.
[0046] The surgical forceps may be bent at the first elongated arm
101, the second elongated arm 102, the hinge 103, or combinations
thereof. For example, the surgical forceps may be bent at both the
first elongated arm and the second elongated arm to provide the
angled forceps. In another example, the hinge may be bent to
provide the angled forceps. In yet another example, the first
elongated arm, the second elongated arm, and the hinge are all bent
to provide the angled forceps.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the bending angle of the angled
forceps may vary in the range of 120 degrees to 160 degrees. In an
exemplary embodiment, the bending angle may be at about 155
degrees.
[0048] Once clamped, the device may remain in the clamped state
until the vas deferens is exposed and/or occluded. The locking
mechanism may be released on completion of the surgical
procedure.
[0049] Once the vas is brought into the open, it may be occluded
using a variety of methods. Examples of these methods are cutting,
ligation with sutures, division, cautery, application of clips,
excision of a segment of the vas, fascial interposition, and
combination thereof. Ligation may be preferred. For example,
ligation with excision and fascial interposition may be
preferred.
[0050] In one embodiment, the tips 105, 106, 108 and 109 may serve
as seats for surgical clips used for closing the occluded ends of a
tubular anatomical structure, for example the vas deferens, similar
to a crimping tool.
[0051] In an alternate exemplary embodiment (not shown), the tips
may be separated by a gap while the forceps are in substantially
fully closed position. This gap may prevent the tips from
puncturing the scrotum and scarring the skin. In the exemplary
embodiment, the gap between the opposed tips may range from 0.5
millimeter to 2 millimeters to accommodate the scrotum skin
thickness while effectively clamping the vas deferens.
[0052] This application further presents a method that uses
surgical forceps to perform a vasectomy. In an exemplary method,
performing the vasectomy may comprise pinching the vas deferens
with fingers, clamping the vas deferens at two different points
using any embodiment of the surgical forceps disclosed above, and
occluding the vas deferens. This exemplary method may further
comprise flipping the surgical forceps prior to occluding the vas
deferens. The angled forceps may be more suitable for the flipping
action.
[0053] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
surgical forceps. Various modifications to these embodiments will
be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments
without departing from the spirit or scope of the surgical forceps.
Thus, the surgical forceps and methods of performing vasectomy are
not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but are
to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and
novel features disclosed herein.
* * * * *