Articulating endoscopic surgical apparatus

Abstract: A surgical instrument 600 is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. The instrument includes a handle portion 602, an endoscopic portion 604 extending from the handle portion, an articulating section 608 pivotably connected to a distal end of the endoscopic portion, and a bladed retractor assembly 612 operatively associated with the articulating section. Structure is provided for maintaining spacing between the blades 614, 616, 618 of the retractor assembly and for controlling actuation of the retractor assembly.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIO N 1. Field of the Inventio n The subject invention relates to surgical apparatus for performing laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures, and more particularly to apparatus having an end portion which can he articulated in a patient's body during a surgical procedure. 2. Description of Related Ar t In laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures a small incision or puncture is made in the patient's body to provide access for a tube or cannula device. Once extended into the patient's body, the cannula allows insertion of various surgical instruments such as scissors, dissectors or retractors to perform the surgery. An example of an endoscopic surgical instrument is illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 2,113,246 which issued to Wappler on April 5, 1938. This patent discloses endoscopic forceps comprising an elongated conduit with jaws at the distal end thereof, a control rod in the conduit for controlling the operation of the jaws, and a control handle at the proximal end of the conduit which is operatively connected to the control rod, This surgical instrument is extremely limited in its applications in that the angle of the conduit portion mounting the jaws cannot he adjusted in relation to the remaining portion of the conduit during a surgical procedure. Improvements have been made in the art of surgical instruments to increase their range of operability. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,763,669 which issued to Jaeger on August 16, 1988 discloses a microsurgery instrument with an adjustable angle of operation for obtaining cervical biopsies. Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 4,880,015 which issued to Nierman on November 14, 1989 discloses a surgical device having an increased range of operability. In particular, this patent shows a biopsy forceps designed for use through a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. The biopsy forceps includes a handle connected to a thin elongated flexible shaft with a distal portion thereof hinged to the shaft. A grasping tool or biopsy forceps attached to the distal hinged portion. Control wires extended from the handle to the distal end tot the shaft for controlling the angular rotation of the distal portion of the instrument. Of the references discussed above, none of these instruments disclose a laparoscopic instrument for insertion into the body cavity through a cannula and adapted for a wide range of laparoscopic surgical applications. Further, the instruments disclosed therein are not provide with means for rotating the tool head about the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic portion of the instrument. Instead, a surgeon using either of these prior art instruments must physically rotate the entire instrument in order to change the rotational orientation of the distal end of the conduit or tube. Applicant's earlier proposal of EP-A-582295 discloses much of the content of the present specification, including drawing Figures 1-35, but was not published until after the filing date of the present application. It constitutes hence a document falling under the definitions of Article 54(3) EPC. The present invention aims to provide an endoscopic surgical instrument having a tool head which is independently moveable about two axes of rotation relative to the handle while the instrument is in use. It further aims to provide: i. a lightweight endoscopic surgical instrument which can provide a clearer line of sight for a surgeon during a surgical procedure; ii. an endoscopic surgical instrument in which a wide variety of different tool heads may be employed; iii. an endoscopic surgical instrument which may be used to perform electrocauterization during surgical procedures; and iv. an endoscopic surgical instrument which may be used for performing retraction, grasping or dissecting tasks during gynecological procedures; v. an endoscopic surgical instrument for performing retraction, grasping or dissecting tasks during abdominal surgery; and vi. an endoscopic surgical instrument which is inexpensive to manufacture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is defined in claim 1 below. Dependent claims identify optional or preferred technical features. The endoscopic surgical instrument disclosed herein below is for use in a wide variety of roles including grasping, dissecting, clamping, or retracting materials or tissue during surgical procedures performed within a patient's body and particularly within the abdominal cavity. The surgical instrument of the subject invention includes a handle portion having a fixed handle, and an endoscopic portion which depends from the handle portion. The endoscopic portion includes an elongated tubular section and an articulating section which is pivotally connected adjacent to the distal end of the tubular section. Tool means are operatively connected to the articulating section of the endoscopic portion. A linkage mechanism is associated with the endoscopic portion of the instrument for selectively pivoting the articulating section in an angular plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section to operative positions within about a 90° sector of rotation. This linkage mechanism is controllable from the handle portion of the instrument. In one embodiment of the subject invention, the surgical instrument may include a handle portion having a fixed handle and a pivoting handle. A cable extends from the pivoting handle through the endoscopic portion to the tool means. In this embodiment, the tool means may comprise a pair of cooperating jaws, the movement of which is controlled by operating the pivoting handle. The linkage mechanism for pivoting the articulating section of the endoscopic portion preferably may include an elongated push rod extending from the handle portion, through the endoscopic portion. The push rod wold be connected to a link member, which, in turn may be pivotally connected to the articulating section of the endoscopic portion. In addition, the linkage mechanism may include a reciprocating member having a gear rack disposed adjacent to the handle portion of the instrument in cooperation with the proximal end of the elongated push rod. The gear rack member would be movable in an axial direction in response to rotation of a annular pinion gear in the handle portion of the instrument. Rotation of the pinion gear would cause the gear rack member to translate coaxially, causing the push rod to move, and thereby causing the articulating section of the endoscopic portion to pivot within 90° sector of rotation relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic portion of the instrument. Preferred embodiments of the subject invention may also include means for rotating the endoscopic portion of the surgical instrument about the longitudinal axis thereof. In this instance, an annular bushing, which may be concentrically disposed within an annular cuff, would be provided in the handle portion of the instrument. The proximal end of the endoscopic portion of the instrument would be arranged within the bushing and would be rotatable about its longitudinal axis by rotating the annular cuff. In another embodiment of the subject invention, the surgical instrument may include a handle portion configured as a pistol-grip and an endoscopic portion including an elongated fixed tubular section which depends from the handle portion and an articulating section pivotally connected to the fixed section adjacent the distal end thereof. An elongated paddle tool would depended from the articulating section of the endoscopic portion for performing retraction tasks during surgical procedures. In addition, a linkage mechanism would then be associated with the endoscopic portion of the instrument for pivoting the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the fixed section, with a 90° sector of rotation. The instrument could also be provided with means for rotating the endoscopic portion thereof about its longitudinal axis. In yet another embodiment of the subject invention, the surgical instrument includes an axial handle portion from which extends an elongated endoscopic portion having a articulating distal section. A retractor assembly is operatively associated with the articulating section and; includes a plurality of interleaved retractor blade members. The retractor assembly is manipulated between a closed position and an open position by a driving assembly housed in the handle portion of the instrument. The driving assembly includes a rotatable knob member which is threadably connected to an axially advanceable screw member. Rotation of the knob member will cause corresponding axial movements of the screw member relative to the handle portion. This arrangement also permits controlled deployment of the interleaved retractor blades into a variety of intermediate positions between the open and closed position depending upon the specific retraction task at hand. Connective means extend from the screw member to the retractor assembly for translating the axial movement of the driving assembly to the retractor assembly. Also, in both instances, the articulating section of the endoscopic portion of the surgical instrument is manipulated within an angular degree of rotation by a camming assembly which is associated with the handle portion thereof. The camming assembly includes a cam member which is movable between a proximal position and a distal position with respect to the handle portion of the instrument. Linkage means interconnects the cam member with the retractor assembly for translating axial movement of the cam member to the retractor assembly. In still another embodiment of the subject invention, the surgical instrument comprises a retractor assembly which is operatively associated with the articulating portion of the apparatus and which includes a plurality of interleaved retractor blades each having a distal portion which depends angularly therefrom to define an atraumatic surface. Preferably, each of the retracto blades have a distinct length for promoting efficient stacking or nesting of adjacent blades when the retractor assembly is in the closed position. In addition, the instrument includes a rotator assembly which is associated with the handle portion for remotely effectuating the articulation of the distal portion of the apparatus. The rotator assembly includes a knob member threadably associated with a longitudinally translating drive screw which is interconnected to the articulating portion of the apparatus by an elongated control shaft. Gradual manipulation of the rotator knob will effectuate corresponding progressive articulation of the distal portion of the apparatus within an angular secto of rotation to increase the range of operability of the instrument. In a alternative embodiment of the bladed retractor instrument of the subject invention, spacer means are disposed between adjacent retractor blades for maintaining clearance therebetween so as to inhibit tissue damage during actuation of the retractor assembly. In addition, clutch means are associated with the driving assembly of the instrument to prevent over-rotation of the knob member during actuation of the retractor assembly. Preferably, the clutch means comprises a ratchet mechanism configured for controlling the axial rotation of the driving assembly of the instrument. Further features of the subject invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the subject invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figures 1-36 do not embody the present invention, they serve elucidation purposes. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an articulating endoscopic surgical instrument Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the articulating endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1 illustrating the handle portion of the endoscopic instrument; Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 1 illustrating the distal end of the endoscopic surgical instrument; Fig. 5 is a top plan view cross-section view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the distal end of the endoscopic surgical instrument showing the jaws in a closed position; Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing, in solid and in phantom lines, the various pivoting movements of the articulating section of the endoscopic portion of the surgical instrument shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a enlarged side cross-sectional view of the distal end of the endoscopic surgical instrument taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the distal end of the endoscopic surgical instrument illustrating the various positions of the pinion gear which comprises a portion of the linkage mechanism; Fig. 10 is a front cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the tool head of the endoscopic surgical instrument; Fig. 12 is a top cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool head shown in Fig. 11 in a closed position. Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing, in a solid and in phantom lines the pivotal movements of the articulating section of the endoscopic portion with the alternate embodiment of the tool head shown in Figs. 11-13; Fig. 15 is a front cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment . which includes an articulating paddle for performing retraction tasks; Fig. 17 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 16; Fig. 18 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 16; Fig. 19 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 16; Fig. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of articulating endoscopic surgical instrument ; Fig. 21 is an exploded view of the articulating endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 20; Fig. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an articulating endoscopic surgical instrument adapted for gynecological procedures; Fig. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the articulating endoscopic surgical instrument of the subject invention adapted for gynecological procedures; Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the articulating endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 22; Fig. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 22 with the retractor assembly thereof in a closed position; Fig. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of the endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 22 with the retractor assembly thereof in a open position; Fig. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 22 with the distal end portion thereof disposed in an articulated position; Fig. 27 is perspective view of yet another embodiment of endoscopic surgical instrument; Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the articulating endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 27; Fig. 29 is a top cross-sectional view of the articulating endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 27 with the retractor assembly thereof in a closed position; Fig. 30 is a top cross-sectional view of the articulating endoscopic instrument of Fig. 27 with the retractor assembly thereof in an opened position; Fig. 31 is a side cross-sectional view of the articulating endoscopic instrument of Fig. 27; Fig. 32 is a side cross-sectional view of the articulating endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 27 with the distal end portion thereof disposed in a articulated position: Fig. 33 is a side cross-sectional view of an endoscopic surgical instrument equipped with a removable cervix seal; Figs. 34 and 35 are side cross-sectional views of a endoscopic surgical instrument having fluid injection structure and an articulating sleeve cover; Fig. 36 is a perspective view of embodiment of the endoscopic surgical instrument, Fig. 37 is a perspective view of the endoscopic surgical instrument of the present invention; Fig. 38 is an exploded view of the endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 37; Fig. 39 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 37; and Fig. 40 is a partial cross-sectional view of the blade attachment portion of the endoscopic surgical instrument of Fig. 39. Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 41-41 of Fig. 37 illustrating the relative displacement of each of the blade members of the retractor assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIM ENT For a description of the instruments shown in Figures 1 to 35, please refer to EP-A-582295 (mentioned above). Referring to Fig. 36, a embodiment of an endoscopic surgical retractor 900 is illustrated, which includes an axial handle portion 902, an elongated tubular body 904 extending longitudinally from the handle portion 902, and an articulating portion 906 pivotably connected to the tubular body 904 at a distal end thereof by a transverse pin 908. A pair of retractor blades 910 and 912 are operatively associated with the articulating portion 906 of surgical instrument 900 and are adapted to move between a open position and a closed position through remote manipulation of a proximal knob member 914 disposed at the proximal end of handle portion 902. Retractor blades 910 and 912 have a substantially C-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration defining atraumatic surfaces for manipulating tissue during gynecological procedures. A cervical seal 915 of frusto-conical configuration is provided on the articulating portion 906 of surgical apparatus 900 adjacent the distal end of the tubular body 904. The cervical seal 915 functions to inhibit the egress, from the uterus, of insufflation gas, or fluid introduced into the uterus through an irrigation system originating at an inlet port 916 which extends longitudinally from the proximal end of handle portion 902. Surgical instrument 900 also includes a mechanism for progressively articulating the distal portion 906 thereof which is effectuated by remote manipulation of a distal knob member 918, hereinafter more fully described. Turning to Figs. 37 and 38, another embodiment of the surgical instrument of the present invention is illustrated and is designated generally by reference numeral 1000. Surgical instrument 1000 comprises a axial handle portion 1010 having opposed hemi-portions 1012 and 1014 mountable to one another to define a enclosure for housing a mechanism for remotely moving a retractor blade assembly 1016 between an open position and a closed position, and a second mechanism for progressively articulating the distal portion 1018 of the endoscopic tubular body 1020 within an angular sector of rotation relative to a longitudinal axis of tubular body 1020 about a pivot pin 1025. The mechanism for moving the retractor blade assembly 1016 between a open position and a closed position comprises an axial drive screw 1022 disposed within handle portion 1010 and having an elongated threaded body portion 1024 operatively connected to a rotator member 1026 which is manipulated by a proximal knob member 1028. An elongated control rod 1030 is mounted to the distal portion 1032 of axial drive screw 1022 by a C-shaped clip 1033 and extends through the tubular body 1020 of apparatus 1000 for transmitting longitudinal movement of the axial drive screw to a flexible control wire 1034 adapted to bend as the instrument is articulated. A coupling 1038 extends from the distal end of control wire 1034 for operatively interlinking the retractor blade assembly 1016 to the manipulation mechanism of surgical apparatus 1000. Thus, manipulation of the proximal knob member 1028 will cause rotator member 1026 to turn, thereby urging drive screw 1024 to translate axially relative to handle portion 1010. Consquently, control rod 1030 will translate longitudinally within tubular body 1020, moving the retractor assembly 1016 between a open and closed position. The retractor blade assembly 1016 of surgical instrument 1000 comprises a plurality of interleaved co-operating retractor blades including first through fifth retractor blades 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044, and 1045. By providing additional blades, any gaps between the blades at the proximal end are smaller, and thus tissue is less likely to penetrate the area intermediate the blades. In addition, as best seen in Fig. 41, the blades of retractor assembly 1016 are arranged in a stepped configuration descending from the first retractor blade 1041 to the fifth retractor blade 1045. This stepped arrangement provides a smooth retraction surface and promotes blade flexure to enhance tissue release during a surgical procedure. Each blade of the retractor assembly 1016 has an angularly depending distal portion 1046 which has a texturized cover provided thereon for defining a atraumatic surface suitable for manipulating tissue or organs within the abdominal cavity. Alternatively, the distal portion 1046 may be stamped out to define the atraumatic surface. This will also increase the rigidity of the blade and it will thicken the perimeter and distalmost portions thereof. In the closed position, the first through fifth blades of retractor assembly 1016 are stacked in a nested configuration to facilitate insertion and removal of the instrument through a trocar or cannula device. To promote effective stacking of the blades in the closed position, each blade of the retractor assembly 1016 is of a distinct length so that the angularly depending portions thereof nest with one another. Center blade 1043 is the longest of the blades of retractor assembly 1016, and includes a downturned tail portion 1048 formed with a slot 1050 for engaging coupling member 1038. Furthermore, each blade of retractor assembly 1016 is provided with a cam slot 1052, with that of the center blade 1043 being disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, while the respective cam slots 1052 of the outer blades of retractor assembly 1016 are disposed angularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the blades, thereby effectuating a fan-like deployment of the retractor assembly 1016 as it is moved from a closed position to an open position. A transverse cam pin 1054 is mounted within the distal portion 1018 of surgical apparatus 1000 and extends through each of the cam slots 1052 for camming the blades as center blade 1043 is caused to translate longitudinally in response to axial movements of control rod 1030. Pivot apertures 1056 are formed at the proximal end of each blade of retractor assembly 1016 for receiving a pivot pin 1058 which operatively associates the plurality of interleaved retractor blades. The mechanism for remotely articulating the distal portion 1018 of the tubular body 1020 of surgical instrument 1000 relative to the longitudinal axis thereof includes a distal knob member 1060 which is associated with the handle portion 1010 and which has a threaded internal passageway for receiving a co-operating axial drive member 1062. Drive member 1062 is provided with an external threaded portion 1064 and a ripple 1066 which extends distally therefrom for mounting an elongated control shaft 1068 which transmits the longitudinal motion of drive member 1062 through tubular body 1020. The proximal end of control shaft 1068 extends through a clevis 1070 which is maintained within the distal end of tubular body 1020, to a base link 1072 having a nipple 1074 extending proximally therefrom for mounting the distal end of control shaft 1068. A longitudinal passageway 1076 extends through base link 1072 for accommodating control wire 1034 and a link member 1080 interconnects base link 1072 to the articulating distal portion 1018. Link member 1080 is mounted to base link 1072 by a pivot pin 1082, and to the articulating distal portion 1018 by a pivot pin 1084. Clevis member 1070 is provided with a aperture 1086 for receiving the pivot pin 1025 which is associated with the articulating distal portion 1018. A sleeve 1090 covers the distal portion 1018 of surgical apparatus 1000 for protecting the internal structures thereof. In addition, a primary annular seal member 1092 is associated with the distal end of control shaft 1068 for forming a seal between the control shaft 1068 and tubular body 1020 to inhibit the egress of insufflation gas through the endoscopic portion of surgical apparatus 1000. Similarly, a secondary annular seal member 1094 is associated with the distal end of control rod 1030 for forming a seal between the control rod 1030 ad the tubular control shaft 1068. In operation, progressive articulation of the distal portion 1018 of surgical apparatus 1000 is achieved through gradual rotation of distal knob member 1060 which causes corresponding axial translation of drive member 1062 within handle portion 1010, driving control shaft 1068 distally with respect to tubular body 1020. Consequently, base link 1072 is translated in a distal direction causing link member 1080 to pivot, urging the distal portion 1018 of surgical instrument 1000 into a desired articulated position, thus increasing its range of operability. Turning now to Figs. 39 and 40, an alternative embodiment of surgical instrument 1000 is illustrated in which structure is provided for maintaining clearance between retractor blades 1041, 1043, and 1045 of retractor assembly 1016 to inhibit the entrapment of tissue therebetween. This safety structure includes first and second annular spacers 1102 and 1104. The first annular spacer 1102 is disposed between retractor blades 1041 and 1043, while the second annular spacer 1104 is disposed between retractor blades 1043 and 1045. In use, when the retractor blades are moved from an open position to a closed position, the annular spacers will substantially reduce the likelihood that tissue will become trapped and/or damaged by pinching. Another feature of surgical apparatus 1000 comprises a clutch mechanism incorporated into the axial driving assembly for inhibiting overrotation of the axial drive screw 1022. In addition, the clutch mechanism serves to limit the mechanical forces resulting from operating axial drive screw 1022 which can damage tissue if it becomes entrapped between the retractor blades of retractor assembly 1016. The clutch mechanism includes a distal control collar 1106, a coiled biasing spring 1108, and a proximal control collar 1110. Distal control collar 1106 is threadably associated with driving screw 1022 and is provided with ratchet teeth 1112 extending rearwardly therefrom to interact operatively with corresponding ratchet teeth 1114 which extend forwardly from proximal control collar 1110. Proximal control collar 1110 is engaged within rotator knob 1028 so as to rotate therewith during actuation of retractor assembly 1016. Biasing spring 1108 maintains the spacial relationship between distal control collar 1106 and proximal control collar 1110 so as to ensure an inter-meshed relationship between ratchet teeth 1112 and 1114. In operation, when a predetermined rotational force is exerted upon the axial driving assembly, the ratchet teeth 1112 and 1114 will slip past one another to prevent over-rotation and/or tissue damage. The endoscopic surgical instrument of the present invention is compact, lightweight and easy to use. It is intended to enable the surgeon to use the instrument with one hand, thus freeing the other hand for performance of other surgical tasks. In the claims which follow, the dependent claims identify embodiments corresponding to those described in detail above.

Claims: A surgical apparatus (900, 1000) comprising: a) a handle portion (902, 1010); b) a tubular body (904) including a elongated proximal portion defining a longitudinal axis extending from said handle portion and a distal portion (906, 1018) articulatable relative to said longitudinal axis of said proximal portion; c) a retractor assembly (1016) operatively associated with said distal portion and including a plurality of interleaved retractor blades (910, 912, 1041-1045); d) actuation means (914, 1028) associated with said handle portion and said tubular body for moving said plurality of retractor blades between an open position and a closed position; and e) a rotator assembly (918, 1060) associated with said handle portion, a control shaft (1068) extending within said tubular body for progressively articulating said distal portion within an angular sector of rotation and a threaded association between the rotator assembly and a drive screw (1062) for translating the control shaft, for operation of the retractor assembly at desired articulated positions within said sector. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuation means for moving said plurality of interleaved retractor blades includes a rotatable driving screw (1022) associated with said handle portion and including an elongated rod member (1030) extending through said proximal portion to operatively connect with said retractor blade assembly. Apparatus claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein said drive screw (1062) is mounted for longitudinal movement relative to said handle portion in response to rotation of the rotator assembly (918, 1060). Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and including spacer means (1102, 1104) disposed between adjacent retractor blades of said retractor assembly for maintaining clearance therebetween. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising clutch means (1106-1110) in asocciation with said actuation means for controlling blade operation. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said clutch means comprises a ratchet mechanism (1112) configures for controlling axial rotation of said actuation means. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said plurality (1016) of interleaved retractor blades has a length distinct from that of an adjacent blade. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said plurality of interleaved retractor blades includes a distal portion (1046) depending angularly therefrom. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said angularly depending distal portion of each of said plurality of interleaved retractor blades includes atraumatic cover means. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a distal end portion of each of said plurality of interleaved retractor blades defines an atraumatic surface. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising external sealing means (915) associated with a distal portion of said tubular body. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising internal sealing means (1092) associated with said tubular body for inhibiting the egress of insufflation gas therethrough. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising irrigation means extending longitudinally through said tubular body from an inlet port (916) adjacent a proximal end of said handle portion for delivering fluid from said apparatus. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, or any one of claims 4 to 13, dependent on claim 3, wherein said control shalt extends from said drive screw to said distal portion of said tubular body for translating longitudinal movement of said drive screw to said distal portion. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, or any one of claims 5 to 14 as dependent on claim 4, wherein said retractor assembly includes first, second, and third interleaved retractor blades, a first spacing member disposed between said first and second retractor blades, and a second spacing member disposed between said second and third retractor blades. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said retractor blades has a rectangular cross-section which includes a centre point, whereby each of said centre points are in alignment with respect to diametric axis of said tubular body when said blades are moved between said open position and said closed position. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said retractor assembly includes first through fifth interleaved retractor blades.

Inventors: MATULA PAUL A, NICHOLAS DAVID A, REMISZEWSKI STANLEY H, RUSSELL BRIAN G, TOVEY H JONATHAN, ZVENYATSKY BORIS, MATULA, PAUL A., NICHOLAS, DAVID A., REMISZEWSKI, STANLEY H., RUSSELL, BRIAN G., TOVEY, H. JONATHAN, ZVENYATSKY, BORIS
Applicants: UNITED STATES SURGICAL CORP, UNITED STATES SURGICAL CORPORATION
Application year: 1993
Main classification: A61B17
IPC codes: A61B18, A61B17