US5383888A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Articulating endoscopic surgical apparatus
Assignee: United States Surgical Corp
•
Filing: 1992-02-12
•
Granted: 1995-01-24
•
Expires: 2012-02-12
Abstract
Abstract A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. The instrument includes a handle portion and an endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion has an elongated tubular section having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of which extends from the handle portion, and an articulating section which is pivotally connected to the tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof. Tool means depend from the articulating section and a linkage mechanism is associated with the endoscopic portion for pivoting the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section, within a 90° sector of rotation. In addition, the instrument includes means for rotating the endoscopic portion about its longitudinal axis.
Inventors
- 👤 Boris Zvenyatsky
- 👤 Ernest Aranyi
- 👤 H. Jonathan Tovey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 17:36
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B17/02; A61B17/0218; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1442; A61B17/2909; A61B2017/2912; A61B2017/2919; A61B2017/292; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2927; A61B2017/2929; A61B2017/2932; A61B2017/2933; A61B2017/2936
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 55
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
An endoscopic surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof; tool means depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion for performing a surgical task; a linkage mechanism including at least one reciprocating member associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section to an articulated position at an angle to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; and means for actuating said tool means at least when said articulating section is disposed at an angle to said longitudinal axis of said tubular section.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
An endoscopic surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof; tool means depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion for performing a surgical task; a linkage mechanism including at least one reciprocating member associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section to an articulated position at an angle to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; and means for actuating said tool means at least when said articulating section is disposed at an angle to said longitudinal axis of said tubular section.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said articulating section is pivotable about a pivot point within a 90° sector of rotation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said linkage mechanism comprises a plurality of reciprocating members operable by a rotating member disposed in said handle portion to control the movement of said articulating section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said plurality of reciprocating members includes first, second, and third reciprocating members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said rotating member includes an annular pinion gear mounted for rotation in said handle portion and said first reciprocating member is formed with a gear rack for meshing with said pinion gear, said first reciprocating member being movable along the longitudinal axis of said endoscopic portion in response to rotation of said pinion gear.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said second reciprocating member is an elongated push rod extending through said tubular section having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of which is connected to said first reciprocating member, said push rod being movable in an axial direction in response to axial movements of said first reciprocating member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said third reciprocating member is a link rod having opposed ends with one of said ends pivotally connected to the distal end of said push rod and the opposed end pivotally connected to said articulating section of said endoscopic portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 7 wherein rotation means are included in said handle portion for revolving said endoscopic portion about the longitudinal axis thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said rotation means comprises a rotatable annular collar and an annular bushing coaxially mounted in said rotatable collar and adapted for engaging the proximal end of said fixed section of said endoscopic portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein an electrocautery connector is mounted in said handle portion for cauterization of tissue at a surgical site.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said tool means is a paddle for performing retraction tasks.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said handle portion includes a fixed handle and a pivoting handle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein said tool means comprises a pair of cooperating jaws for performing grasping tasks.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said cooperating jaws are operatively connected to said pivoting handle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claims 14 wherein said cooperating jaws and said pivoting handle are operatively connected to one another by a flexible cable assembly.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
158 words
A surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion including at least one pivoting handle; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof; a pair of cooperating jaws depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion; a linkage mechanism associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section to an articulated position at an angle to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; rotation means for rotating said cooperating jaws about the longitudinal axis of said endoscopic portion relative to said handle portion; and means for operatively connecting said cooperating jaws and said at least one pivoting handle, whereby movement of said at least one pivoting handle will cause said cooperating jaws to open and close.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
158 words
A surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion including at least one pivoting handle; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof; a pair of cooperating jaws depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion; a linkage mechanism associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section to an articulated position at an angle to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; rotation means for rotating said cooperating jaws about the longitudinal axis of said endoscopic portion relative to said handle portion; and means for operatively connecting said cooperating jaws and said at least one pivoting handle, whereby movement of said at least one pivoting handle will cause said cooperating jaws to open and close.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein said connecting means comprises a cable assembly.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein said articulating section is pivotable about a pivot point within a 90 ° sector of rotation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein said linkage mechanism comprises a plurality of reciprocating members operable by a rotating member disposed in said handle portion to control the movement of said articulating section.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein said plurality of reciprocating members includes first, second, and third reciprocating members.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
63 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 20 wherein said rotating member includes an annular pinion gear mounted for rotation in said handle portion and said first reciprocating member is formed with a gear rack for meshing with said pinion gear, said first reciprocating member being movable along the longitudinal axis of said endoscopic portion in response to rotation of said pinion gear.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
60 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 21 wherein said second reciprocating member is an elongated push rod extending through said tubular section having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of which is connected to said first reciprocating member, said push rod being movable in an axial direction in response to axial movements of said first reciprocating member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
49 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 22 wherein said third reciprocating member is a link rod having opposed ends with one of said ends pivotally connected to the distal end of said push rod and the opposed end pivotally connected to said articulating section of said endoscopic portion.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
42 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 23 wherein said rotation means comprises a rotatable annular collar and an annular bushing coaxially mounted in said rotatable collar and adapted for engaging the proximal end of said fixed section of said endoscopic portion.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 24 wherein a spring is mounted in said handle portion for maintaining said annular bushing within said rotatable collar.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
118 words
A surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof; tool means depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion for performing surgical tasks; a linkage mechanism associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section to an articulated position at an angle to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; and rotation means for rotating said endoscopic portion about the longitudinal axis thereof relative to said handle portion.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
118 words
A surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof; tool means depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion for performing surgical tasks; a linkage mechanism associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section to an articulated position at an angle to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; and rotation means for rotating said endoscopic portion about the longitudinal axis thereof relative to said handle portion.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein said tool means comprises retractor means for performing retraction tasks.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
A surgical apparatus as in claim 27 wherein said retractor memos comprises at least one paddle depending from said articulating section.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein said articulating section is pivotable about a pivot point within a 90° sector of rotation.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
36 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 27 wherein said linkage mechanism comprises a plurality of reciprocating members operable by a rotating member disposed in said handle portion to control the movement of said articulating section.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 30 wherein said plurality of reciprocating members includes first, second, and third reciprocating members.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
63 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 31 wherein said rotating member includes an annular pinion gear mounted for rotation in said handle portion and said first reciprocating member is formed with a gear rack for meshing with said pinion gear, said first reciprocating member being movable along the longitudinal axis of said endoscopic portion in response to rotation of said pinion gear.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
60 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 32 wherein said second reciprocating member is an elongated push rod extending through said tubular section having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of which is connected to said first reciprocating member, said push rod being movable in an axial direction in response to axial movements of said first reciprocating member.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
49 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 33 wherein said third reciprocating member is a link rod having opposed ends with one of said ends pivotally connected to the distal end of said push rod and the opposed end pivotally connected to said articulating section of said endoscopic portion.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
42 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 34 wherein said rotation means comprises a rotatable annular collar and an annular bushing coaxially mounted in said rotatable collar and adapted for engaging the proximal end of said fixed section of said endoscopic portion.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 35 wherein a coiled spring is mounted in said handle portion for maintaining said annular bushing within said rotatable collar.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
120 words
An endoscopic surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof; jaw means depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion for performing a surgical task; a linkage mechanism including at least one reciprocating link member extending from said handle portion through said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; and means cooperating with said handle portion for moving said jaw means between open and closed positions.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
120 words
An endoscopic surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof; jaw means depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion for performing a surgical task; a linkage mechanism including at least one reciprocating link member extending from said handle portion through said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; and means cooperating with said handle portion for moving said jaw means between open and closed positions.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
123 words
An endoscopic surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion and an articulating section movably connected to said distal end of said tubular section; tool means operatively connected to said articulation section adjacent a distal end thereof; a linkage mechanism including a plurality of reciprocating link members associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said tool means about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section to a predetermined number of positions; and means disposed at least partially within said endoscopic portion for actuating said tool means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
123 words
An endoscopic surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion and an articulating section movably connected to said distal end of said tubular section; tool means operatively connected to said articulation section adjacent a distal end thereof; a linkage mechanism including a plurality of reciprocating link members associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said tool means about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section to a predetermined number of positions; and means disposed at least partially within said endoscopic portion for actuating said tool means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
116 words
A surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion and an articulating section pivotably connected to said distal end of said tubular section; retractor means extending from said articulating section adjacent a distal end thereof for performing a surgical task; means associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; and means for rotating said retractor means about said longitudinal axis of said tubular section relative to said handle portion.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
116 words
A surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion and an articulating section pivotably connected to said distal end of said tubular section; retractor means extending from said articulating section adjacent a distal end thereof for performing a surgical task; means associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; and means for rotating said retractor means about said longitudinal axis of said tubular section relative to said handle portion.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 39 wherein said pivoting means comprises a linkage mechanism.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 39, further comprising means for controlling movement of said retractor means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 41 wherein said pivoting means comprises a linkage mechanism.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 41 wherein said articulating section is pivotable about a pivot point within a 90° sector of rotation.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 39, further comprising means for rotating said retractor means about the longitudinal axis of said endoscopic portion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
143 words
An endoscopic surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section by a horizontally oriented pivot pin disposed adjacent the distal end thereof; tool means depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion for performing a surgical task; a reciprocating linkage mechanism including at least one link member associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section to an articulated position about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; and means for actuating said tool means at least when said articulating section is disposed at an angle to said longitudinal axis of said tubular section.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
143 words
An endoscopic surgical apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section by a horizontally oriented pivot pin disposed adjacent the distal end thereof; tool means depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion for performing a surgical task; a reciprocating linkage mechanism including at least one link member associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section to an articulated position about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section; and means for actuating said tool means at least when said articulating section is disposed at an angle to said longitudinal axis of said tubular section.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
117 words
An endoscopic apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section by a vertically oriented pivot pin disposed adjacent the distal end thereof; a retractor mechanism depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion for performing a surgical task; and a linkage mechanism including at least one reciprocating member associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section to an articulated position about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
117 words
An endoscopic apparatus comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion including an elongated tubular section defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of said tubular section extending from said handle portion, and an articulating section pivotally connected to said tubular section by a vertically oriented pivot pin disposed adjacent the distal end thereof; a retractor mechanism depending from said articulating section of said endoscopic portion for performing a surgical task; and a linkage mechanism including at least one reciprocating member associated with said handle portion and said endoscopic portion for pivoting said articulating section to an articulated position about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said tubular section.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
A surgical apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said retractor mechanism includes at least one retractor member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-01-23 | 1998-07-25 | 1999-01-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-01-23 | 2002-07-25 | 2003-01-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-01-23 | 2006-07-25 | 2007-01-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |