Coupling apparatus for medical instrument

#The invention relates to the field of instruments, especially medical instruments and, more particularly, to a coupling apparatus for coupling a tool portion of a medical instrument to a handle portion thereof. The apparatus is particularly suitable for coupling laparascopic instruments.

#Conventional couplings for medical instruments involve threaded assemblies and the like which render the connection of tool head to handle practically permanent or cumbersome for quick assembly and disassembly. This is, of course, desirable so as to avoid the separation of the tool and handle during use in a surgical procedure.

#In the interests of sterility, sharpness and the like, however, it is desirable for the tool portions of medical instruments to be readily exchangeable and, therefore, for the coupling and uncoupling of the tool head to the handle to be readily accomplished, and at the same time retained with rigidity. In this way, disposable tool heads can be utilized which can be conveniently removed and replaced after use.

#A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention follows, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical instrument with coupling apparatus according to the invention;

#FIGS. 2-4 are partially cut away perspective views sequentially showing the connection of a coupling apparatus according to the invention;

#The invention relates to a coupling apparatus for medical instruments which allows convenient separation and reattachment of various components of a medical instrument. The coupling apparatus is especially useful in allowing the convenient separation and attachment of a tool head or operative element of the instrument and a handle member of the instrument.

#Such separation and attachment is useful for numerous reasons including, but not limited to, replacing disposable or single use tool heads, removing tool heads for sterilization, sharpening, maintenance and exchanging one tool head for a like or different tool head as necessary.

#Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. Tool head 10 is connected to handle 12, according to the invention, through a coupling apparatus which includes an insertion member 14 and a receiving member 16. The tool head 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a disposable cartridge for surgical staples. As set forth above, however, the coupling apparatus of the present invention is useful for the attachment of any desired tool head to a handle member.