US 5,312,332 A · Endoscopic surgical methods utilizing a suction-irrigation instrument with a port for endoscopic manipulating instruments

Abstract

Methods of endoscopic surgery are disclosed. The methods utilize a suction/irrigation endoscopic instrument and a second endoscopic instrument. The suction/irrigation endoscopic instrument has a cannula, a fluid chamber in communication with the cannula, and an automatic valve at the proximal end of the fluid chamber. The second endoscopic instrument has end effectors and actuating means, and the end effectors of the second endoscopic instrument is inserted through the automatic valve, through the fluid chamber, and through the cannula. The methods involve inserting the suction/irrigation instrument through a trocar tube, and then inserting the second endoscopic instrument therethrough. The automatic valve insures that there is no leakage when the second instrument is inserted. The second endoscopic instrument may rotated inside, or may be partially withdrawn into the suction/irrigation instrument. Upon removing the second endoscopic instrument, the valve of the suction/irrigation instrument automatically closes so that there is no leakage. If desired, the suction/irrigation instrument may be provided with a cautery current at the cannula, and the second endoscopic instrument may be provided with a bump which contacts the cannula as a cautery pick-up.

Claims10

Dependent claims

Method of endoscopic surgery comprising the steps of:

a) incising a patient and inserting a trocar tube through the incision;
b) inserting a cannula of a first endoscopic instrument through the trocar tube, said first endoscopic instrument having a fluid chamber at a proximal end of said cannula, automatic valve means at a proximal end of said fluid chamber, an irrigation tube and a suction tube in fluid communication with said fluid chamber, wherein said cannula, said fluid chamber, and said irrigation tube constitute a first fluid flow path, and said cannula, said fluid chamber and said suction tube constitute a second fluid flow path;
c) inserting an end effector of a second endoscopic tool through said valve means and through said fluid chamber and said cannula so that said end effector extends beyond said cannula and so that a proximal portion of said endoscopic tool extends proximal said automatic valve means;
and
d) removing said second endoscopic tool, wherein said valve means automatically closes to prevent fluid leakage at said proximal end of said first endoscopic instrument.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Endoscopic surgical methods utilizing a suction-irrigation instrument with a port for endoscopic manipulating instruments

Life of this patent

Endoscopic surgical methods utilizing a suction-irrigation instrument with a port for endoscopic manipulating instruments

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10