Surgical instruments having ergonomic and versatile handles and related systems and methods

A handle system for use with a tool, the handle system comprising:

• first and second elongated handles, each handle extending from a first end to a second opposite end, each handle including an inner wall, an outer wall, a first end wall at the first end of the handle and extending between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a second end wall located proximate the second end of the handle and extending between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the handles are pivotally connected at the handle second ends such that the handles are pivotable between an open position wherein the inner walls are spaced apart and a closed position wherein the inner walls are adjacent one another, wherein each handle comprises:
• a first elongated opening defined by the first end wall, the inner wall, the outer wall and an interior wall located between the first and second end walls and extending between the inner and outer walls;
• and
• a second generally oval opening defined by the second end wall, the inner wall, the outer wall and the interior wall.

A handle system for use with a tool, the handle system comprising:

• first and second elongated handles, each handle extending from a first end to a second opposite end adapted to receive a working end portion, wherein the handles are pivotally connected proximate their second ends and are pivotable about a pivot axis, each handle comprising:
• an inner wall, an outer wall, a first end wall located at the first end of the handle and extending between the inner and the outer wall, a first interior wall located closer to the second end of the handle than the first end wall and extending between the inner and the outer wall, a second interior wall located closer to the second end of the handle than the first interior wall and extending between the inner and the outer wall, and a second end wall located closer to the second end of the handle than the second interior wall and extending between the inner and the outer wall;
• a first elongated opening defined by the first end wall, the inner wall, the outer wall and the first interior wall;
• a second generally elliptical opening defined by the second end wall, the inner wall, the outer wall and the second interior wall;
• and
• a third generally elliptical opening located between the first and second openings and defined by the inner wall, the outer wall, and the first and second interior walls.

A method of performing laparoscopic surgery, comprising:

• providing a tool having first and second pivotally connected elongated members, each member including a handle extending from a first end of the member and a working portion extending from a second, opposite end of the member, wherein the handles are movable between an open position in which the working portions are adjacent one another to a closed position in which the handles have been brought together and the working portions have moved apart;
• with the handles in the open position, inserting the working portions in an opening in an abdominal wall;
• then
• moving the handles toward the closed position;
• then
• moving the handles toward the open position;
• grasping an organ for extraction with the working portions during the step of moving the handles toward the open position;
• and then
• withdrawing the working portions from the opening in the abdominal wall including withdrawing the working portions and the grasped object from the opening.