Remote manipulation apparatus, coupling tool, kit including coupling tool and second coupling tool, and method of using remote manipulation apparatus

A coupling tool configured to couple a first manipulation rod of a remote manipulation apparatus and a second manipulation rod of the remote manipulation apparatus to each other to suppress bending of the first manipulation rod and the second manipulation rod, the coupling tool comprising:

• a first receiving part having a first inner face that is able to hold the first manipulation rod and defining a first region that receives a part of the first manipulation rod;
• a second receiving part having a second inner face that is able to come into contact with the second manipulation rod, defining a second region that receives a part of the second manipulation rod, and configured to allow the second manipulation rod to move in a lateral direction relative to the second inner face in the second region;
• and
• a first coupling part that couples the first receiving part and the second receiving part to each other.

A method of using a remote manipulation apparatus,

• wherein the remote manipulation apparatus comprises
• a tool having a first acting member and a second acting member and configured to grip or cut a target by the first acting member and the second acting member,
• a first manipulation rod coupled to the first acting member,
• a second manipulation rod coupled to the second acting member,
• a manipulation member coupled to the first manipulation rod and the second manipulation rod, respectively, and configured to remotely manipulate at least one of the first acting member and the second acting member by relative motion of the second manipulation rod with respect to the first manipulation rod, and
• a coupling tool configured to couple the first manipulation rod and the second manipulation rod to each other in a region between the tool and the manipulation member,
• wherein the coupling tool comprises
• a first receiving part having a first inner face that holds the first manipulation rod and defining a first region that receives a part of the first manipulation rod,
• a second receiving part having a second inner face that is able to come into contact with the second manipulation rod and defining a second region that receives a part of the second manipulation rod, and
• a first coupling part that couples the first receiving part and the second receiving part to each other,
• the method comprising steps of:
• manipulating the manipulation member so that the second manipulation rod moves relative to the first manipulation rod;
• applying gripping force or cutting force to the target from the first acting member and the second acting member by relative motion of the second manipulation rod with respect to laterally moving the second manipulation rod relative to the second inner face in the second region defined by the second receiving part in response to the relative motion of the second manipulation rod with respect to the first manipulation rod.