Electrosurgical tubular shaft, surgical instrument grip and electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument

An electrosurgical tubular shaft for use with a surgical instrument grip for formation of an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument is provided. The tubular shaft comprises a tube, an electrosurgical tool arranged at the distal end on the tubular shaft, at least one electric connection line electrically connected to the tool and extending in the tube, and at least one coupling element arranged at the proximal end on the tubular shaft for interacting with at least one corresponding coupling element of the instrument grip for releasably coupling the instrument grip to the tubular shaft. The tube comprises an outlet opening which is arranged distally of the at least one coupling element and through which the at least one connection line issues from the tube. The tubular shaft comprises an electric connection element for an electric energy supply. A surgical instrument grip and an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument are also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electrosurgical tubular shaft for use with a surgical instrument grip for formation of an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument, the tubular shaft comprising a tube, an electrosurgical tool arranged at the distal end on the tubular shaft, at least one electric connection line electrically connected to the tool and extending in the tube, and at least one coupling element arranged at the proximal end on the tubular shaft for interacting with at least one corresponding coupling element of the instrument grip for releasably coupling the instrument grip to the tubular shaft.

The invention also relates to a surgical instrument grip for use with an electrosurgical tubular shaft for formation of an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument, comprising at least one coupling element for interacting with at least one corresponding coupling element of the tubular shaft for releasably coupling the tubular shaft to the instrument grip.

The invention further relates to an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument, comprising a surgical instrument grip and an electrosurgical tubular shaft which is releasably connectable to the instrument grip.

Herein, “proximal” and “distal” are to be construed as relating to use of the tubular shaft, the instrument grip and the tubular shaft instrument for their intended purpose, with the tubular shaft interacting at the proximal end and the instrument grip at the distal end. The user acts from the proximal end on the instrument grip and operates with the tool arranged at the distal end on the tubular shaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A tubular shaft and an instrument grip of the aforementioned kind can be releasably connected to each other by the respective coupling elements forming a coupling device, in order to form an aforementioned electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument. For this purpose, the instrument grip usually comprises a sleeve-shaped receptacle into which the tubular shaft is partially insertable and in which it is releasably lockable. By means of at least one grip element of the instrument grip, it is usually possible to act on a pulling and/or pushing force transmission element guided in the tube, which is coupled at the distal end to the tool, so that the tool can be actuated with the at least one grip element.

The tool of the tubular shaft is electrically connected to at least one electric connection line, so that the tool can be supplied with electrosurgical energy. For electrical safety reasons, the at least one connection line extends in the tube, and it can thereby also be kept away from the operating site, which improves the handling of the tubular shaft. In the known tubular shaft instruments, the at least one electric connection line as well as the at least one coupling element are introduced into the instrument grip in which the electric connection line is contacted by electric contact members. For this purpose, the instrument grip, for its part, is connected by a further electric connection line to an electric energy supply. These tubular shafts, instrument grips and, consequently, tubular shaft instruments have a relatively complicated construction as only relatively little constructional space is available for mechanical connection of the tubular shaft to the instrument grip and electric contacting of the at least one connection line in the instrument grip. With exchangeable tubular shaft systems in which a reusable instrument grip is used with one-way tubular shafts, such mechanical coupling and electric contacting in the instrument grip makes cleaning, in particular, sterilization, thereof, after operational use, difficult.

An object underlying the present invention is to provide a generic tubular shaft, a generic instrument grip and a generic tubular shaft instrument, so that the tubular shaft instrument formed by the tubular shaft and the instrument grip has a constructionally simpler design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical tubular shaft for use with a surgical instrument grip for formation of an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument is provided, the tubular shaft comprising a tube, an electrosurgical tool arranged at the distal end on the tubular shaft, at least one electric connection line electrically connected to the tool and extending in the tube, and at least one coupling element arranged at the proximal end on the tubular shaft for interacting with at least one corresponding coupling element of the instrument grip for releasably coupling the instrument grip to the tubular shaft. The tube comprises an outlet opening which is arranged distally of the at least one coupling element and through which the at least one connection line issues from the tube, and in that the tubular shaft comprises an electric connection element for an electric energy supply, which is arranged at the proximal end on the at least one connection line.

In a second aspect of the invention, a surgical instrument grip for use with an electrosurgical tubular shaft in accordance with the first aspect for formation of an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument is provided, the instrument grip comprising at least one coupling element for interacting with at least one corresponding coupling element of the tubular shaft for releasably coupling the tubular shaft to the instrument grip, and at least one connecting element for releasably fixing the at least one connection line of the tubular shaft to the instrument grip.

In a third aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument, comprises a surgical instrument grip and an electrosurgical tubular shaft in accordance with the first aspect are provided. The tubular shaft is connectable to the instrument grip, and the tubular shaft comprises at least one connecting element for releasably fixing the at least one connection line to the instrument grip, which interacts with the at least one correspondingly constructed connecting element of the instrument grip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an electrosurgical tubular shaft for use with a surgical instrument grip for formation of an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument, the tubular shaft comprising a tube, an electrosurgical tool arranged at the distal end on the tubular shaft, at least one electric connection line electrically connected to the tool and extending in the tube, and at least one coupling element arranged at the proximal end on the tubular shaft for interacting with at least one corresponding coupling element of the instrument grip for releasably coupling the instrument grip to the tubular shaft. The tube comprises an outlet opening which is arranged distally of the at least one coupling element and through which the at least one connection line issues from the tube, and in that the tubular shaft comprises an electric connection element for an electric energy supply, which is arranged at the proximal end on the at least one connection line.

With the tubular shaft in accordance with the invention, the at least one electric connection line extends from the tool in the distal-proximal direction in the tube. Through the outlet opening, the at least one connection line can issue from the tube at a distal spacing from the at least one coupling element. The at least one connection line, therefore, has a distal section extending in the tube and a proximal section extending outside the tube. Arranged at the proximal end on the at least one connection line is an electric connection element, which is connectable to an electric energy supply, so that the tool can be supplied with electrosurgical energy by way of the at least one connection line. Owing to the distal section of the at least one connection line extending in the tube, the electrical safety of the tubular shaft can be ensured, and the connection line is arranged far from the operating site, in order to facilitate the handling of the tubular shaft. The arrangement of the proximal section of the at least one connection line outside of the tube facilitates its electric contacting considerably. The connection line can be led outside past the instrument grip or along it and be contacted outside of the instrument grip. In particular, an instrument grip interacting with the tubular shaft in accordance with the invention does not need to have any inside electric contact members. Owing to the arrangement outside of the tube and the instrument grip, the connection element of the tubular shaft can be made sufficiently large for it to be easy to handle by a user. A filigree configuration of electric contact members as in generic tubular shafts and instrument grips can thereby be avoided. This also makes it possible for a more robust construction to be imparted to the tubular shaft and the instrument grip.

The outlet opening is expediently arranged in the proximity of the proximal end of the tube, so that the at least one connection line extends over as large a distance as possible in the tube. For example, when the tube engages the instrument grip, the outlet opening is essentially arranged immediately distally of the instrument grip.

The at least one connection line preferably issues at the side from the tube, transversely to a direction defined by the tube. This makes it possible for the tube to engage with a section arranged proximally of the outlet opening in the instrument grip, for example, for coupling with it.

In a constructionally simple configuration of the tubular shaft, the outlet opening is a through-opening which is formed in the tube and through which the at least one connection line issues from the tube.

It is advantageous for the tubular shaft to comprise a bushing, receiving the tube, for insertion into a corresponding sleeve of the instrument grip, the bushing comprising at the proximal end at least one coupling element, and for there to be formed in the bushing a through-opening through which the at least one connection line is led. The bushing makes it possible by way of the at least one coupling element for the tubular shaft to be coupled to the instrument grip, the sleeve of which may have a corresponding coupling element for this purpose. The tube can be reinforced and thereby protected by way of the bushing. The at least one connection line having issued from the tube is led through the through-opening formed in the bushing, which is expediently in alignment with the outlet opening on the tube.

The tubular shaft preferably comprises a sheath surrounding at least in sections the at least one connection line at its section which has issued from the tube. The sheath enables protection and/or guidance of the at least one connection line. For example, the sheath is configured as channel or as protective sleeve in which the at least one connection line is guided. The sheath can surround the connection line with positive locking and be fixed to it. It may be provided that the at least one connection line is not surrounded by the sheath in the area of the outlet opening so that the at least one connection line can be folded or bent for easier handling of its section which has issued from the tube. Proximally of the outlet opening, the connection line is, on the other hand, preferably surrounded by the sheath.

The sheath is preferably of elongate construction, in particular, straight-lined.

The sheath is advantageously resistant to bending, so that the at least one connection line can be protected in a better way. In this context, “resistant to bending” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, that the force required for bending the sleeve significantly exceeds the force required for bending the at least one connection line.

In a different kind of advantageous embodiment, the sheath is flexible. For example, it is a flexible hose.

A preferred embodiment of the tubular shaft in accordance with the invention is a bipolar electrosurgical tubular shaft and comprises two electric connection lines electrically connected to the tool. The tool comprises, for example, two jaw parts, each of which is electrically connected to one of the connection lines. The jaw parts can thereby be provided with different electric polarity. By supplying energy to the tubular shaft, an electric current, in particular, a high-frequency current, can flow between the jaw parts, in order to coagulate body tissue.

For example, in the last-mentioned preferred embodiment of the tubular shaft in accordance with the invention, the tool may be a forceps tool, with the two jaw parts being connected to connection lines of different polarity.

If more than one connection line is provided, it is advantageous for a common connection element to be provided, which is arranged at the proximal end on both connection lines. This allows both connection lines to be connected at the proximal end to an energy supply by a common connection element.

Further provision may be made for the two (or more) electric connection lines to be surrounded at their sections which have issued from the tube by a common sheath. For protection and/or easier handling, two (or more) connection lines may be combined by the sheath outside of the tube.

It may be provided that the tubular shaft comprises at least one contact member which is accommodated in the connection element and is electrically connected to the at least one connection line. For example, the connection element is configured as plug, which has a body enclosing the at least one contact member. For example, the at least one contact member is molded in the body and electrically connected therein to the at least one connection line. If two or more electric connection lines are provided, two or more contact members are expediently accommodated in the connection element, each electrically connected to one of the connection lines.

The at least one electric contact member can be arranged on a proximal end face of the connection element, and it can extend axially or axially parallel to a proximal-distal direction defined by the tubular shaft. The at least one contact member may be a male or female contact member.

The at least one connection line may be releasably connectable to the connection element in which the at least one contact member is accommodated. For example, the at least one connection line may be connected by way of an electric plug connection to the connection element and thereby electrically contact the at least one contact member.

It is advantageous for the tubular shaft to comprise at least one connecting element for releasably fixing the at least one connection line to the instrument grip. The section of the at least one connection line which has issued from the tube can be fixed to the instrument grip of the formed tubular shaft instrument by means of the at least one connecting element fixed or fixable to the connection line, so that the handling of the tubular shaft instrument is improved. The releasable connection of the at least one connection line to the instrument grip also allows an exchangeable tubular shaft system to be provided, with which a reusable instrument grip can be used with several tubular shafts. For each use of a tubular shaft, the at least one connection line thereof is connected to the instrument grip and, after use, released from it again, so that the tubular shaft can be removed and disposed of in a user-friendly manner.

The at least one connecting element may be a clamping element and/or a locking element; it may be fixable with positive locking and/or force locking to the instrument grip. It is also conceivable for the at least one connecting element to be fixable to the instrument grip by screwing.

The at least one connecting element can preferably be connected to and/or released from the instrument grip without a tool. The at least one connecting element preferably interacts with a correspondingly constructed connecting element of the instrument grip, so that the connecting elements form a connecting device for releasable fixing of the at least one connection line to the instrument grip.

It is expedient for the connection element to comprise or form a connecting element. This makes a constructionally simple configuration of the tubular shaft possible. In particular, it is advantageous for no further connecting element of the tubular shaft to be provided apart from the connecting element comprised or formed by the connection element.

The connecting element is preferably formed in one piece with the connection element so as to enable a constructionally simple configuration of the tubular shaft.

It proves advantageous for the at least one connecting element to comprise a projection which is insertable into a corresponding receptacle on the instrument grip, the receptacle being a connecting element of the instrument grip, which is constructed so as to correspond to the projection. Clamping and/or locking of the projection to the receptacle are, for example, possible so as to enable a connection of the connecting element to the instrument grip with force locking and/or positive locking. A screw connection of projection and receptacle is also possible.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the at least one connecting element comprises a receptacle on the connection element, into which a corresponding projection on the instrument grip is insertable.

The projection may, for example, be arranged at the distal end on the at least one connecting element, in particular, on a distal end face of the connecting element. This allows a compact construction to be imparted to the tubular shaft instrument when a connecting element constructed so as to correspond to the projection is arranged at the proximal end on the instrument grip, for example, on a proximal end face.

The projection may be configured, in particular, as rib or strip.

It is advantageous for the projection to define an axis which is aligned at an angle to a proximal-distal axis defined by the tube. The axis defined by the projection can define an insertion direction for insertion thereof into the receptacle on the instrument grip. The angle between the axis of the projection and the proximal-distal axis can, for example, ensure that the projection is not inserted axially along the proximal-distal axis into the receptacle (or parallel thereto). This allows the pulling force on the at least one connection line to be reduced when inserting the projection into the receptacle and any possible damage to the connection line to thereby be prevented.

The angle between the axes is advantageously an acute angle. It may, for example, be from approximately 70° to approximately 85°, for example, approximately 80°. A leading end of the projection when inserting the projection into the receptacle is expediently arranged more distally than an end of the projection that is last inserted into the receptacle, so that an undercut can be formed between the at least one connecting element of the tubular shaft and the corresponding connecting element on the instrument grip. The acute angle between the axes can, therefore, be construed as relating to a proximal-distal direction and an insertion direction of the projection into the receptacle on the instrument grip.

It is expedient for the at least one connecting element to comprise or form an abutment member for the instrument grip, in particular, on a distal end face. A reliable relative positioning of the at least one connecting element and the instrument grip can thereby be ensured. For example, the at least one connecting element can abut in flange-like manner by way of the abutment member on the instrument grip. The abutment member may be of planar configuration, and it can define a plane, parallel to which the aforementioned axis defined by the projection extends. The plane may be inclined relative to a proximal-distal axis. The aforementioned projection may project in the distal direction from the abutment member.

It proves expedient for the at least one connecting element to have a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical outer contour, in particular, in the circumferential direction of a proximal-distal axis defined by the tube. The at least one connecting element is, for example, of cylindrical and, in particular, disk-shaped configuration with a cylindrical outer contour, which is expediently adapted to an outer contour of the instrument grip. This allows the thus formed tubular shaft instrument to be given a more pleasing appearance and simplifies its handling.

The present invention further relates to a surgical instrument grip for use with an electrosurgical tubular shaft for formation of an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument. The instrument grip is designed for use with a tubular shaft of the aforementioned kind and comprises at least one coupling element for interacting with at least one corresponding coupling element of the tubular shaft for releasably coupling the tubular shaft to the instrument grip. The instrument grip comprises at least one connecting element for releasably fixing the at least one connection line of the tubular shaft to the instrument grip.

The advantages achievable with use of the tubular shaft in accordance with the invention or advantageous embodiments thereof could also be achieved with the instrument grip in accordance with the invention, and so reference is to be had in this connection to the above explanations. In particular, the at least one connection line of the tubular shaft is releasably fixable to the instrument grip, which, for this purpose, comprises at least one connecting element. The at least one connecting element can interact, in particular, with the aforementioned at least one connecting element which is fixed or fixable to the section of the connection line which has issued from the tube and can form a connecting device with this connecting element. The at least one connecting element of the instrument grip can be constructed for clamping and/or locking, for positive locking and/or force locking connection. A connection of the at least one connection line to the instrument grip without a tool and/or a release of the at least one connection line from the instrument grip without a tool are also possible. It is also conceivable for the connecting elements to be screwed to each other.

The at least one connecting element is preferably arranged at the proximal end on the instrument grip, in particular, on a proximal end face of the instrument grip.

In a constructionally simple configuration, the at least one connecting element may, for example, comprise or form a receptacle into which the at least one electric connection line is insertable. For example, the electric connection line can be clamped in the receptacle.

It is advantageous for the at least one connecting element to comprise or form a receptacle into which a projection arranged on the at least one electric connection line is insertable, in particular, for fixing of the projection with force locking and/or positive locking in the receptacle.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one connecting element can have a projection which is insertable into a correspondingly constructed receptacle of a connecting element of the tubular shaft.

The receptacle is preferably blind hole-shaped. It is then only possible for the projection to be inserted in one insertion direction into the receptacle. This facilitates the handling of the instrument grip and helps to avoid faulty connection of the at least one connection line to the instrument grip.

It is advantageous for the receptacle to define an axis which is aligned at an angle to a proximal-distal axis defined by the instrument grip. As mentioned above, the alignment of the axes at an angle to each other allows the projection not to be inserted in a purely axial direction into the receptacle. The pulling force on the at least one connection line can thereby be kept as low as possible.

The angle between the axes is preferably an acute angle and can be, for example, from approximately 70° to approximately 85°, in particular, approximately 80°. The receptacle preferably comprises an insertion opening for insertion of the projection, which is arranged more proximally than an end of the receptacle, which is located opposite the insertion opening, for example, a bottom of the blind hole. The projection can thereby be inserted from proximal to distal, so to speak, obliquely to the distal-proximal axis into the receptacle, in order to form an undercut between the projection and the receptacle and thereby enable reliable fixing of the at least one connection line to the instrument grip.

In another kind of configuration of the connecting elements, it is conceivable for the connection element to be able to be connected to the instrument grip axially along a grip axis defined by the instrument grip. The projection and the corresponding receptacle can be axially inserted into each other and, in particular, connected in a clamping and/or locking manner to each other. A screw connection of the projection in the receptacle or a bayonet-type connection is also conceivable, with the connection element being rotated or pivoted relative to the instrument grip in order to connect these to each other.

In an advantageous embodiment of the instrument grip, the connecting element comprises a projection, which is configured as Luer connector, in particular, for a Luer lock connection with the connection element of the tubular shaft. The connection element can be connected by screwing to the instrument grip, with the Luer projection on the instrument grip engaging a Luer receptacle on the connection element.

The Luer connector is preferably configured for connection of a flushing pipe, so that the instrument grip can be acted upon from the proximal end with a flushing liquid and cleaned. The connection of a flushing pipe will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

It proves advantageous for the at least one connecting element to comprise or form an abutment member for a connecting element of the tubular shaft, in particular, on a proximal end face of the instrument grip. The abutment member is, for example, of planar configuration, and it can define a plane aligned at an angle relative to the proximal-distal direction. The abutment member may, for example, be constructed for flange-like abutment on the at least one connecting element of the tubular shaft. The arrangement of the at least one abutment member on a proximal end face of the instrument grip makes a compact construction of the instrument grip possible.

It is advantageous for the instrument grip to comprise a sleeve-shaped main body and a closure element connected at the proximal end to the main body for closing the main body. The tubular shaft can be inserted at least partially from the distal end into the sleeve-shaped main body and thereby couple with the instrument grip. The closure member is provided at the proximal end in order to protect the main body at the proximal end. The closure member may close the main body in a sealing or non-sealing manner. It may, in particular, be provided that an exchange of medium between the interior of the main body and the environment is possible through the closure element. For example, the closure element is plug-shaped, stopper-shaped or cap-shaped.

The closure element preferably has a through-channel in the proximal-distal direction. This allows a flushing pipe to be connected proximally to the instrument grip and a flushing liquid for cleaning the instrument grip to be introduced through the closure element into the main body.

The closure element advantageously comprises the at least one connecting element or forms it so as to enable a constructionally simple configuration of the instrument grip. For example, the connecting element comprises the aforementioned Luer projection for connecting a flushing pipe.

The at least one connecting element is preferably formed in one piece with the closure element, also in order to achieve a constructionally simple configuration.

It is expedient for the closure element to be releasably connectable to the main body. This makes it possible, for example, to exchange the closure element, if required, for another closure element which, for example, does not have or form a through-channel and/or a connecting element. It is also conceivable to have a closure element comprising or forming a through-channel and/or a connecting element separately available and to connect it to an instrument grip, so that the functions and advantages explained hereinabove can be achieved with the instrument grip.

It may be provided that the at least one connecting element has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical outer contour, in particular, in the circumferential direction of a proximal-distal axis defined by the instrument grip. The outer contour of the connecting element of the instrument grip may, in particular, be adapted to the outer contour of a connecting element of the tubular shaft.

In an advantageous embodiment of the instrument grip in accordance with the invention, the instrument grip is an axial grip and has a sleeve-shaped main body and at least one actuatable grip element which is transferable from a spread position to a close-up position relative to the main body. The at least one grip element is, for example, mounted for pivotal movement on the main body, and, in the spread position, it can assume a non-actuation position, and, in the close-up position, an actuation position. By actuating the grip element, the tool of a tubular shaft coupled to the instrument grip can be acted upon and actuated. The at least one grip element is, for example, of half-shell-shaped or substantially half-shell-shaped configuration and can surround in sections the main body in the circumferential direction in the close-up position. In particular, two actuatable grip elements may be provided.

The present invention further relates to an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument. A tubular shaft instrument in accordance with the invention, which accomplishes the object mentioned at the outset comprises one of the instrument grips described hereinabove and one of the tubular shafts described hereinabove, which is releasably connectable to the instrument grip, the tubular shaft comprising at least one connecting element for releasably fixing the at least one connection line to the instrument grip, which interacts with the at least one correspondingly constructed connecting element of the instrument grip.

The advantages achievable with the tubular shaft in accordance with the invention and advantageous embodiments thereof and with the instrument grip in accordance with the invention and advantageous embodiments thereof can also be achieved with use of the tubular shaft instrument in accordance with the invention. Reference is made in this connection to the above explanations.

The connecting elements form a connecting device for attachment of the at least one connection line to the instrument grip with force locking and/or positive locking, in a clamping and/or locking manner and/or without a tool. It is also conceivable to form a screw connection or a bayonet-type connection.

The instrument grip can define a proximal-distal axis which can be made to coincide with a proximal-distal axis defined by the tube of the tubular shaft when the instrument grip and the tubular shaft are coupled to each other. The direction defined by this axis will be referred to hereinbelow as axial direction.

It is expedient for the at least one connection line to be of such dimensions that with its section which has issued from the tube it is free or substantially free of axial pulling and/or pushing forces. In particular, it is thus possible to connect the at least one connection line in a strain-relieved or substantially strain-relieved manner to the instrument grip. As a result, the at least one connection line is only subjected to low strains and stresses and so damage to it can be largely avoided.

A compact construction of the tubular shaft instrument may, for example, be achieved by the section of the at least one connection line which has issued from the tube extending axially parallel from distal to proximal along the instrument grip, at least in sections.

The section which has issued from the tube extends, in particular, at least in sections, parallel to the main body of the instrument grip. It may be provided that the section or a sheath surrounding the section lies against the main body.

It is advantageous for the section of the at least one connection line which has issued from the tube to extend transversely to the axial direction alongside an actuatable grip element of the instrument grip for acting on the tool. It can thereby be ensured that the section of the at least one connection line does not interfere with actuation of the grip element. It is expediently provided that the grip element does not contact the section of the at least one connection line when transferring from a non-actuation position to an actuation position.

As mentioned above, it may be provided that the instrument grip comprises two actuatable grip elements for acting on the tool. Here provision is expediently made for the section of the at least one connection line which has issued from the tube to extend between the grip elements, in relation to a direction transverse to the axial direction. A compact construction of the tubular shaft instrument can thereby be achieved.

It has also been mentioned hereinabove that the outer contours of the at least one connecting element of the tubular shaft and of the at least one connecting element of the instrument grip may be adapted to each other. In the state in which they are connected to each other, the connecting elements may have a common outer contour, which is, so to speak, continuous. This imparts a more pleasing appearance to the tubular shaft instrument and facilitates its handling.

For example, it may be provided that the connecting elements each have, in particular, in the circumferential direction of a proximal-distal axis defined by the instrument grip, a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical outer contour of the same diameter.

FIG. 1shows in perspective representation a preferred embodiment of an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument in accordance with the invention, denoted in its entirety by reference numeral10. The tubular shaft instrument10comprises a preferred embodiment of a surgical instrument grip in accordance with the invention, denoted by reference numeral12, and a preferred embodiment of an electrosurgical tubular shaft in accordance with the invention, denoted by reference numeral14. The instrument grip12and the tubular shaft14are releasably connectable to each other and are shown (partially) inFIGS. 1 and 7while they are being connected to each other, whereas the instrument grip12and the tubular shaft14are shown inFIGS. 2 and 8(partially in each case) in the state in which they are connected to each other.

Herein, position and orientation indications such as “proximal”, “distal”, “proximal-distal” and the like are to be construed as relating to use of the tubular shaft instrument10for its intended purpose, during which the instrument grip12and the tubular shaft14are connected to each other. During use for its intended purpose, the user acts from the proximal direction on the tubular shaft instrument10and operates with a tool18arranged at the distal end16of the tubular shaft instrument10. The proximal end of the tubular shaft instrument10is denoted by reference numeral20.

The tubular shaft14is a bipolar electrosurgical tubular shaft and comprises at the distal end the aforementioned tool18, which is configured as a forceps tool with two jaw parts22movable and, in particular, pivotable relative to each other. The jaw parts22can be transferred from an open position (FIG. 1) in which they are arranged at a distance from each other to a closed position (not shown), so that body tissue to be coagulated can be grasped between them.

The tool18is arranged at the distal end of a tube24of the tubular shaft14, which comprises two sections offset parallel to each other distally and proximally, which merge into each other by double curvature of the tube24. The tube24could, however, also be of straight-lined configuration or have a different kind of curvature.

The proximal section of the tube24is accommodated with positive locking in a bushing26of the tubular shaft14. Coupling elements28in the form of concave recesses28are provided proximally on the bushing26, and, consequently, proximally on the tubular shaft14. The proximal section of the tube24defines a proximal-distal tube axis30. The tube axis30can be brought into conformity with a grip axis32defined by the instrument grip12when the tubular shaft14and the instrument grip are connected to each other for their intended purpose. Therefore, references to the grip axis32hereinbelow are at the same time references to the tube axis30and vice versa.

Guided in the tube24is a pulling and/or pushing force transmission element, known per se and not shown in the drawings, which is distally in operative connection with the jaw parts22, issues at the proximal end from the tube24and comprises a coupling element for coupling to the instrument grip12.

The instrument grip12is configured as axial grip and comprises a substantially hollow-cylindrical, sleeve-shaped main body34, which defines the grip axis32. At the distal end, the instrument grip12has a sleeve36which is mounted for displacement on the main body34against the force of an elastic return element35, configured as helical spring. On the inside, the sleeve36has coupling elements37in the form of latching balls38. When the bushing26is inserted into the sleeve36, the recesses29couple with the latching balls38, which together form a coupling device39of the tubular shaft instrument, so that the bushing26and, consequently, the tubular shaft14can be releasably fixed to the instrument grip12.

A further coupling device, which is not shown in the drawings, is formed by the coupling element, not shown in the drawings, of the pulling and/or pushing force transmission element of the tubular shaft14. This coupling element couples with a coupling element, likewise not shown in the drawings, of the instrument grip12in the form of a pulling and/or pushing member, known per se, which is mounted for axial displacement in the main body34.

For acting on the pulling and/or pushing member, the instrument grip12comprises two grip elements40and42, which, in a manner known per se, are mounted at the proximal end of the main body34for pivotal movement about pivot axes extending transversely to the grip axis32. In this context, “transversely to the grip axis32” means in a plane aligned perpendicularly to the grip axis32. The grip elements40and42are diametrically opposed in relation to the grip axis32and are of approximately half-shell-shaped configuration. From a spread position (FIGS. 1, 2 and 8) the grip elements40and42can be pivoted relative to the main body34and in relation thereto transferred to a close-up position (not shown). The grip elements40and42then act in a manner known per se on the pulling and/or pushing member, so that the jaw parts22can be acted on by means of the pulling and/or pushing force transmission element in order to actuate these.

At the proximal end, the instrument grip12comprises a closure element44which, for partial closure of the main body34, is inserted from the proximal direction into the main body34. In this case, the closure element44is of plug-shaped configuration, however, it could also be of cap-shaped or stopper-shaped configuration. An axial through-channel46is formed in the closure element44. This makes it possible to connect a pipe for cleaning or flushing liquid from the proximal direction to the closure element44and, after use and release of the tubular shaft14, to clean the reusable instrument grip12through the closure element44. The closure element44engages over proximal bearing members, not shown in the drawings, of the grip elements40and42, by way of which the grip elements40and42are mounted for pivotal movement on the main body34.

The closure element44is of one-piece construction and forms a connecting element48which can interact with a correspondingly constructed connecting element of the tubular shaft14, details of which will be given hereinbelow, to form a connecting device50of the tubular shaft instrument10. For this purpose, the closure element44comprises at the proximal end a receptacle52which is configured as blind hole54. The blind hole54is formed so as to extend in a straight line in the closure element44and defines a hole axis56which includes an angle58with the grip axis32. The angle58is an oblique angle, in relation to a proximal-distal direction, an insertion opening60of the blind hole54being arranged more proximally on the instrument grip12than an end of the blind hole54located opposite the insertion opening60and closed by a bottom62(FIGS. 5 and 6). The insertion opening60is arranged on the outer circumference of the closure element. The through-channel46and the receptacle52also intersect each other at the angle58.

The closure element44is provided at the proximal end with a slit-shaped through-opening64which is formed in the proximal wall of the receptacle52. Transversely to a plane defined by the grip axis32and the hole axis56, the through-opening64is narrower than the blind hole54of round cross section. Excluded from this is the section of the receptacle52through which the axial through-channel46extends.

At the proximal end face, the closure element44is of planar configuration and has an abutment member66inclined relative to the grip axis32. A plane defined by the abutment member66extends parallel to the hole axis46and intersects the grip axis32also at the angle58.

As mentioned hereinabove, the tubular shaft14is a bipolar tubular shaft. The tubular shaft14has two electric connection lines68and70for making electrical contact. Each of the connection lines68and70is electrically connected to one of the jaw parts22, so that these can be provided with opposite electric polarity in order to coagulate tissue grasped between the jaw parts22in the closed position.

The connection lines68and70are configured as flexible, electrically insulated cable lines, which, starting from the distal end16, extend in the tube24as far as the bushing26. In this way, the connection lines68and70are kept far from the operating site, which facilitates handling of the tubular shaft instrument10and increases its electrical safety.

As will be apparent, in particular, fromFIG. 2, the tube24has, in relation to the tube axis30, a lateral outlet opening72in the form of a through-opening74. The through-opening74is arranged distally of the coupling elements28on the proximal section of the tube24, which is surrounded by the bushing26. Formed in the bushing26in alignment with the through-opening74is a through-opening76. In the connected state of the tubular shaft14and the instrument grip12, the though-openings74and76are essentially arranged immediately distally of the instrument grip12on the section of the bushing26and the tube24, respectively, that does not engage the sleeve36.

The connection lines68and70are led through the though-openings74and76, so that they issue from the tube24distally of the instrument grip12and with their sections arranged proximally in relation to the though-openings74and76extend outside of the instrument grip12. This allows electrical contact to be made with the tubular shaft14without electrical contact members having to be provided for this purpose in the instrument grip12, differently than in the case of generic instrument grips. Constructionally simpler configurations can thus be imparted to the instrument grip12, and, consequently, also to the tubular shaft instrument10. The cleaning of the instrument grip12is also facilitated by avoiding electrical contact members, in particular, in the space surrounded by the main body34. Likewise, there is no need for electrical contact members to be provided on the section of the tubular shaft14engaging the instrument grip12.

The sections of the connection lines68and70which have issued from the tube24have a common sheath78surrounding them. The sheath78is elongate and, in particular, straight-lined, for example, in the manner of a cable channel. The sheath78combines both connection lines68and70with positive locking for their protection and for simplified handling of the tubular shaft14. For further protection of the connection lines68and70, the sheath78is constructed so as to be resistant to bending. A flexible, pliable configuration of the sheath is, however, also conceivable.

The sheath78extends approximately from the distal end of the instrument grip12to its proximal end, approximately to the edge of the insertion opening60of the closure element44. Transversely to the grip axis32, the sheath78is arranged between the grip elements40and42. Consequently, the connection lines68and70extend parallel to the grip axis32, with the sheath78contacting the closure element44at the proximal end and otherwise extending at a short distance from the main body34and the sleeve36.

The sheath78is positioned in such a way between the grip elements40and42that also in their position close-up to the main body34, for actuating the jaw parts22, the grip elements do not contact the sheath78, and so the user does not find the sheath annoying when handling the instrument grip12. In addition, this enables a compact design of the tubular shaft instrument10also in the case of the connection lines68and70extending outside of the instrument grip12.

At the proximal end, the tubular shaft14has a connection element80arranged at the connection lines68and70. The connection element80with a disk-shaped body81is of plug-shaped configuration with two electrical contact members82and83, which at the proximal end face issue from the body81parallel to the grip axis32and otherwise are accommodated in the body81. For example, the contact members82and83are molded in the body81. In the connection element80, one of the contact members82and83, in each case, is electrically connected to one of the connection lines68and70. To enable this, the proximal ends of the connection lines68and70issuing from the sheath78are led transversely to the grip axis32into the body81, which, for this purpose, has bores for receiving the connection lines68and70.

The tubular shaft14can be connected by means of the connection element80to an energy supply for providing electrosurgical energy, which can be supplied by way of the contact members82and83and the connection lines68and70to the jaw parts22.

The, apart from the contact members82and83, one-piece connection element80forms a connecting element84of the aforementioned connecting device50. In this way, the connection element80can be releasably connected by positive and force locking to the closure element44, in order to fix the proximal sections of the connection lines68and70which have issued from the tube24to the instrument grip12in a manner which is easy to handle. The connecting of the connection element80to and the releasing of the connection element80from the closure element44is, in particular, possible in a user-friendly manner without a tool.

The connection element80comprises for abutment on the closure element44an abutment member86, which is of planar configuration and is arranged at the distal end face of the connection element80. The abutment member86defines an inclined plane relative to the grip axis32. The inclined plane is aligned parallel to the hole axis56and coincides with the plane defined by the abutment member66(FIG. 7). In the state in which they are connected to each other, the closure element44and the connection element80can abut on each other in flange-like manner by way of the abutment members66and86and thereby assume a specially defined relative orientation to each other.

Protruding from the abutment member86in the distal direction is a projection88of the connection element80, which is configured as rib90. The projection88defines a projection axis92, which is inclined relative to the grip axis32and is aligned parallel to the plane defined by the abutment member86.

The rib90is adapted in dimension and shape to the receptacle52and has a head section94positionable in the blind hole54. The head section94is of round cross section and is connected to the abutment member86by way of a neck section96of the projection88, which is narrower than the head section94transversely to the grip axis32.

To connect the connection element80to the closure element44, the projection88can be inserted into the receptacle52(FIG. 7), with the head section94engaging the blind hole54and the neck section96engaging the through-opening64. In this way, a positive and force locking is created between the closure element44and the connection element80for reliable connection, with the axial relative positioning also being ensured by the abutment members66and86contacting each other. The projection88and the receptacle52secure the connection element80and the closure element44on each other in all three spatial directions axially along the grip axis32and transversely thereto.

Owing to the inclination of the coinciding hole axis56and projection axis92relative to the grip axis32an undercut is formed between the closure element44and the connection element80in addition to the positive locking of the projection88and the receptacle52. In this way, the closure element44and the connection element80are reliably secured against unintentional release.

The connection lines68and70are of such dimensions that their sections which have issued from the tube24are free of axial pulling and/or pushing forces when the closure element44and the connection element80are connected to each other. In particular, the connection lines68and70are thereby relieved of strain and so damage thereto can be largely avoided.

It proves advantageous for the sheath78to extend distally not quite as far as the outlet opening72so that the connection lines68and70can be bent or folded in the area of the outlet opening72. This makes it easier for a user to connect the connection element80to and release the connection element80from the closure element44.

The closure element44at its section arranged outside of the main body34and the connection element80are of cylindrical configuration in relation to the grip axis32and are adapted to each other with respect to their diameter and their outer contour. In this way, the connection element80and the connecting element48are in alignment with each other, so that the connection element80can be regarded as proximal extension of the instrument grip12. On the one hand, this imparts a pleasing appearance to the tubular shaft instrument10and, on the other hand, facilitates its handling.

The releasable connection of the closure element44and the connection element80to each other proves advantageous because the instrument grip12is reusable and with a plurality of tubular shafts can form an exchangeable shaft system. After use, the connection element80of the tubular shaft to be disposed of can be released from the instrument grip12and, in addition, the tube24can be separated from the instrument grip12. A further tubular shaft can be connected to the instrument grip12, and its respective connection element80is likewise releasably connectable to the closure element44.

FIGS. 9 to 11show fully or partly a further advantageous embodiment of a tubular shaft instrument in accordance with the invention, denoted in its entirety by reference numeral100. The tubular shaft instrument100comprises advantageous embodiments of an instrument grip in accordance with the invention and a tubular shaft in accordance with the invention, which are denoted by reference numerals102and104, respectively.

The same reference numerals are used for features and components of the tubular shaft instruments10and100, which are the same or have the same effect. The advantages achievable with the tubular shaft instrument10(and with the instrument grip12and the tubular shaft14) can also be achieved with the tubular shaft instrument100(and accordingly with the instrument grip102and the tubular shaft104). Reference is made in this connection to the explanations given hereinabove. Only the most important differences will be discussed hereinbelow.

The most important difference between the tubular shaft instruments10and100resides in the configuration of the connecting device50, by means of which the connection element80is releasably fixable to the instrument grip102. In the case of the instrument grip102, the connecting element48formed by the closure element44is configured as projection106in the direction of the connection element80. The projection106is aligned coaxially with the grip axis32and forms part of the through-channel46.

In this case, the projection106is a Luer connector for connecting a flushing pipe, in particular, the projection106is configured for formation of a Luer lock connection. A flushing pipe can be connected to the instrument grip102from the proximal direction in order to clean the instrument grip102after use and release of the connection element80.

In the connection element80, the connecting element84is a receptacle108. The receptacle108is an axially extending blind hole into which the projection106can be inserted. For connection to the projection106, the receptacle108is of complementary configuration thereto. In particular, a Luer lock connection of the connection element80to the closure element44can thereby be made. For this purpose, the connection element80can be brought up close to the closure element44and connected to it by screwing while rotating about the grip axis32. A thread110on the wall of the receptacle108can interact with an extension112of the projection106, which is aligned transversely to the grip axis32.

In the case of the tubular shaft instrument100, it is also possible to connect the connection element80to the instrument grip102or to release the connection element80from the instrument grip102without a tool.

The sheath78of the connection lines68,70, not shown inFIGS. 9 to 11, is flexible in the case of the tubular shaft104. For example, it is a flexible hose line.

Arranged at the proximal end on the connection lines68,70is a plug-in member114with contact members116,118. By connecting the plug-in member114to the connection element80, the contact members116,118can be electrically connected to the contact members82and83, respectively, and, therefore, as a result, the connection lines68,70electrically contacted. The plug-in member114can be released from the connection element80.

It is, of course, conceivable for the connection lines68,70to be led at the proximal end into the connection element80, as is the case in the tubular shaft instrument10, without a releasable connection being provided therefor by way of the plug-in member114.