US 5,618,306 AGranted

Endoscopic microsurgical instruments and methods

AssigneeHeartport, Inc.

InventorsAlex T. Roth, Scott H. Miller

Life of this patent

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Abstract

The invention provides devices and method for performing extremely small-scale, minimally-invasive microsurgery such as thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting. The instruments of the invention utilize a symmetrical, forcep-like actuator which provides extremely precise actuator and control of the instrument and which mimics the feel of instruments used in conventional open surgical procedures. The instruments generally include a pair of coaxially arranged shafts, an end-effector at the distal ends of the shafts, and an actuator at the proximal ends of the shafts. The actuator includes a pair of arms pivotally coupled to one of either the outer or inner shalt, and a pair of links pivotally coupled at one end to the arms, and at a second end to the other of the shafts. The links are coupled to a proximal portion of the arms to maximize mechanical advantage and reduce interference. The actuator may be easily adapted for either pull-type or push-type actuation, and for either outer shaft or inner shaft translation. The end-effectors may have a variety of configurations, including needle drivers, forceps, scissors, and clip appliers.

Claims4

Dependent claims

A microsurgical clip applier comprising:

an outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial lumen therebetween;
an inner shaft slidably disposed in the axial lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end;
a pair of jaws fixed to the distal end of a first shaft selected from the outer shaft and the inner shaft, the jaws being configured to hold a surgical clip therebetween;
and
an actuator at the proximal end of the outer shaft for closing the jaws, the actuator comprising:
at least a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being pivotally coupled to the first shaft, and the distal end being disposed on a first lateral side of the outer shaft and biased outwardly to from an acute angle therewith;
and
a first link having an outer end and an inner end, the outer end being coupled to the first arm at a first pivot point, and the inner end being coupled to a second shaft selected from the outer shaft and the inner shaft, whereby the second shaft is translated relative to the first shaft when the first arm is pivoted toward the outer shaft;
and
means coupled to the second shaft for closing the jaws in response to translation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/560,441Filed 17 Nov 1995 · division
Priority: 14 Feb 1994
Granted: 8 Apr 1997
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

A61B 17/2909
Forceps for use in minimally invasive surgery: handles
A61B 17/1285
For applying or removing clamps or clips: for minimally invasive surgery
A61B 17/0469
For suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials: suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g.…
A61B 2017/00243
Type of minimally invasive operation: cardiac