Patent ID: 6149642
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for use in hand-assisted laparoscopy in which one hand of a surgeon is inserted in an insufflated abdominal cavity, comprising:a cannula having a distal end portion insertable through a puncture wound into the cavity, and a proximal end portion with a finger grip affixed thereto;a tube slidable lengthwise in said cannula having a thumb grip sealing one end of said tube adjacent to said proximal end portion, and a gripper formed in said tube near an opposite end thereof;a surgical tool having members insertable in said gripper when said members are squeezed together; andlimit means connected between said cannula and said tube for limiting travel of the tool between a retracted position within said distal end portion and a partially extended position sufficient for the one hand to grasp and release said tool from said gripper for use by the surgeon within the cavity.