Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0546767B1/en
Timestamp: 2019-07-19 23:52:08
Document Index: 405233343

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 32', 'arts 32', 'arts 32', 'arts 32', 'arts 32', 'arts 32', 'arts 32', 'arts 32']

EP0546767B1 - Hand-held surgical device and tools for use therewith - Google Patents
Hand-held surgical device and tools for use therewith Download PDF
EP0546767B1
EP0546767B1 EP92311041A EP92311041A EP0546767B1 EP 0546767 B1 EP0546767 B1 EP 0546767B1 EP 92311041 A EP92311041 A EP 92311041A EP 92311041 A EP92311041 A EP 92311041A EP 0546767 B1 EP0546767 B1 EP 0546767B1
EP92311041A
EP0546767A2 (en
EP0546767A3 (en
1991-12-13 Priority to US806666 priority Critical
1991-12-13 Priority to US07/806,666 priority patent/US5433725A/en
1992-12-03 Application filed by Unisurge Holdings Inc filed Critical Unisurge Holdings Inc
1993-06-16 Publication of EP0546767A2 publication Critical patent/EP0546767A2/en
1993-12-22 Publication of EP0546767A3 publication Critical patent/EP0546767A3/en
1998-09-30 Publication of EP0546767B1 publication Critical patent/EP0546767B1/en
This invention relates to a hand-held surgical device and tools for use therewith and more particularly to such a device, tools and assembly for use in performing medical procedures.
Surgical devices for use in endoscopic procedures have heretofore been provided. These typically, however, have been separate individual devices or tools used independently. This is particularly true for tools for use in laparoscopy in which the tools usually have been expensive, fine precision metal tools. EP 0327 410 A1 discloses a hand-held device through which different tools may be passed. It has proximal and distal extremities, the proximal extremity being sized to be adapted to be grasped by the human hand. The device has a bore extending therethrough and sized so that a tool can be removably positioned within the bore so that tool parts extend out of the bore at the distal extremity and so that the proximal extremity of the tool remains out of the bore at the proximal extremity of the handle to permit the tool to be grasped by the human hand. The device has no hand operated means, however, for causing rotational movement of the tool.
In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hand-held surgical device and tools for use
It is in the present invention to provide a device of the above character in which the tools can be locked onto the device for actuation of the tools and for rotation of the tool.
It is also advantageous in the present invention to provide a device of the above character in which the device includes a trigger mechanism for causing a linear thrusting motion which is utilised for actuating tools disposed in the bore of the device.
It is further advantageous in the present invention to provide a device of the above character in which the bore extends through a slidably mounted sleeve or barrel.
It is further advantageous in the present invention to provide a device of the above character in which the sleeve can be rotated.
It is further advantageous in the present invention to provide a device of the above character in which tools can be readily inserted and removed.
It is further advantageous in the present invention to provide a device and tools for use therewith of the above character in which substantially fluid-tight seals are created between the tool and the device when a tool is inserted in the device.
It is further advantageous in the present invention to provide a device and tools for use therewith of the above character in which spring-loaded members are utilised.
It is further advantageous in the present invention to provide a device and tools for use therewith of the above character with which electrocautery operations can be performed.
It is further advantageous in the present invention to provide a device and tools for use therewith in which the tools can be made disposable if desired.
It is further advantageous in the present invention to provide a device of the above character which can be sterilised.
Additional advantages and features of the invention will appear from the following description of the particular embodiment as set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of hand-held surgical device incorporating the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view looking along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.
FIGURE 3 is a rear elevational view looking along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.
FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.
FIGURE 5 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.
FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 4.
FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of Fig. 4.
FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of Fig. 1.
FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of Fig. 1.
FIGURE 10 is a side elevational view of a tool for a device incorporating the present invention.
FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view of the tool shown in Fig. 10.
FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of Fig. 11.
FIGURE 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a device incorporating the present invention with a tool mounted therein.
FIGURE 14 is a partial side elevational view partly in cross-section of the distal extremity of a tool for a device incorporating the present invention.
FIGURE 15 is a top plan view of the tool shown in Fig. 14 looking along the line 15-15 of Fig. 14.
FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 16-16 of Fig. 14.
FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 17-17 of Fig. 14.
FIGURE 18 is a side elevational view of a distal extremity of another tool for a device incorporating the present invention.
FIGURE 19 is a view looking along the line 19-19 of Fig. 18.
FIGURE 20 is a view of the distal extremity of another tool for a device incorporating the present invention.
FIGURE 21 is a top plan view looking along the line 21-21 of Fig. 20.
FIGURE 22 is a partial side elevational view of another tool for a device incorporating the present invention.
FIGURE 23 is a plan view partially in cross-section looking along the line 23-23 of Fig. 22.
FIGURE 24 is a partial side elevational view of the tool shown in Fig. 22 but of the side opposite that shown in Fig. 22.
FIGURE 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 25-25 of Fig. 23.
FIGURE 26 is a cross-sectional view of the distal extremity of another tool for a device incorporating the present invention.
FIGURE 27 is a top partial plan view of another tool for a device incorporating the present invention.
FIGURE 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 28-28 of Fig. 27.
FIGURE 29 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter assembly for use with a tool when it is inserted into an endoscopy device of the present invention.
FIGURE 30 is a side elevational view of an assembly incorporating the present invention in which a tool is inserted into an endoscopy device and in which an adapter assembly is mounted in the tool.
More in particular, as shown in the drawings of Figs. 1-9, the hand-held surgical device 31 consists of a housing 32 which is provided with an upper cylindrical portion 33 and a handle portion 34 in the form of a pistol grip adapted to be grasped and held by a single human hand. The housing 32 is preferably formed of a material which can repeatedly withstand autoclave sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization or gamma radiation sterilization. One material found to be particularly suitable for this purpose is a plastic identified as Ultem (trademark), manufactured by the General Electric Company. Such a material is capable of withstanding high temperatures and is very durable. The housing 32, utilizing such a plastic, is formed in two parts 32a and 32b (see Fig. 3) which are joined together along a parting line 36. A pair of spaced apart bosses 37 (see Fig. 4) are provided on each of the parts 32a and 32b so that the two parts 32a and 32b can be fastened together by suitable means such as screws 38 extending into the bosses and forming the two parts 32a and 32b into a unitary housing 32.
An actuator tube assembly 41 is mounted in the upper cylindrical portion 33 for limited axial movement. The actuator tube assembly 41 is provided with a bore 42 which extends therethrough. The actuator tube assembly 41 consists of two tubes 43 and 44 in which tube 43 is formed of a suitable plastic such Ultem (trademark), hereinbefore identified, and the tube 44 is formed of a suitable metal such as stainless steel. The metal tube 44 has its proximal extremity fixed within the distal extremity of the plastic tube 43 so that the bore 42 is continuous and has the same diameter extending from the plastic tube 43 into the metal tube 44. The actuator tube assembly 41 is provided with proximal and distal extremities 46 and 47. These proximal and distal extremities 46 and 47 are axially guided within the housing by sidewise extending guide portions 48 and 49 (see Fig. 6) formed integral with the housing parts 32a and 32b having semicircular recesses 51 which are adapted to receive the proximal extremity 46 of the actuator tube assembly 41. Similarly, upper and lower guide portions 53 (see Fig. 4) formed integral with the parts 32a and 32b and having semicircular recesses 54 guide the distal extremity 47 of the actuator tube assembly 41.
Means is provided for causing reciprocal movement of the actuator tube assembly 41 for a suitable distance, as for example 3.175 mm (.125"), and consists of yoke-like lever arm 71 formed of a suitable plastic such as Ultem (trademark). The yoke-like member 71 is provided with a pair of pins 72 extending from opposite sides thereof that are pivotally mounted in recesses (see Fig. 7). As can be seen, the pins 72 are provided at the upper extremity of the lever arm formed by the member 71 to provide a substantial mechanical advantage, as for example a 4-to-1 mechanical advantage. The upper extremity of the yoke-like lever arm 71 is provided with a U-shaped or forked portion 76 having generally circular upper extremities 77 (see Fig. 4), which are disposed on opposite sides of the plastic tube 43 between circumferentially extending spaced apart flanges 78 and 79 provided centrally of the plastic tube 43 of the actuator tube assembly 41. As can be seen from Fig. 4, the upper circular extremities 77 fit relatively closely within the flanges 78 and 79. The lower extremity of the yoke-like lever member 71 is pivotally connected to a trigger bar 81 by pin-and-slot connections in which elongate slots 82 are provided on opposite sides of the yoke-like member 71 that receive the opposite extremities of a pin 83 mounted in the trigger bar 81. The trigger bar 81 is mounted within the housing 32 for movement in a direction which is substantially parallel to the axis of the actuator tube assembly 41. The trigger bar 81 travels between upper and lower wall portions 86 and 87 which are formed integral with the housing parts 32a and 32b (see Fig. 5). In addition, the trigger bar 81 is guided by upper and lower guide portions 88 and 89 also formed integral with the housing parts 32a and 32b and which extend inwardly and slidably seat in grooves 91 and 92 provided on opposite sides of the trigger bar 81.
Spring means is provided for yieldably urging the trigger bar 81 to the left as viewed in Fig. 4 and consists of a leaf-spring 96 which has one leaf 97 engaging the interior of the housing 32 and the other end 98 engaging the lower extremity of the yoke-like member 71. The apex 101 of the spring can be secured if desired to the interior of the housing 32 by a screw.
Means is provided for limiting the travel of the trigger bar 81 to the left in the housing 32 as viewed in Fig. 4, and consists of the yoke-like member 71 which restrains movement of the trigger bar 81 because of the limitations in axial movement of the actuator tube assembly 41 in the upper cylindrical portion 33.
The surgical device 31 also includes a barrel 121 which is provided with a bore 122 extending axially thereof and through the barrel 121. The barrel 121 can be formed of a suitable material such as stainless steel. The bore 122 can be of a suitable size, as for example 8 mm. However, it should be appreciated that in connection with the present invention different barrels with different size bores can be provided, as for example ranging from 6 to 12 mm bores. The barrel can have a suitable length, as for example 203-356 mm (8- 14"). It is provided with a distal extremity 123 and a proximal extremity 124. The proximal extremity 124 is mounted within an adapter 126 of Ultem (trademark) in the form of a reducer that is mounted in a metal tube 127 of a larger diameter. The diameter of the metal tube 127 is such so that the distal extremity of the metal tube 44 can slidably fit therein to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal between the same, to in effect form a trombone-type seal permitting the axial movement of the actuator tube assembly 41. The adapter 126 also forms a fluid-tight seal between the barrel 121 and the metal tube 127. The metal tube 127 is mounted in a fixed position with respect to the housing 32 and is frictionally retained therein as shown particularly in Figs. 4 and 8.
A nose cone 131 formed of a suitable material such as Ultem (trademark) is mounted over the barrel and serves to reinforce the connection between the barrel and the adapter 126 as well as the metal tube 127. The nose cone 131 is threadedly mounted as shown on the distal extremity of the housing 32.
The bore 42 is in axial alignment with the bore 122 provided in the barrel 121 and is adapted to receive tools of various types as hereinafter described. Cooperative means is provided for establishing a fluid-tight seal between the tool and the bore 32 and, as shown in Figs. 4 and 8, consists of valve means in the form of a valve member of the type described in US Patent No. 5,141,498, issued August 25, 1992. This valve member 136 is seated within a cylindrical enlargement 137 provided at the proximal extremity 46 of the plastic tube 43. A cylindrical cap 138 is threaded onto the cylindrical enlargement 137 (see Fig.8) to retain the valve member 136 in place. The cap 138 is provided with an annular shoulder 139 which engages the valve member 136 and holds it in place. The annular shoulder 139 is provided with serrations 140 on the proximal surface of the shoulder 139. The cap 138 is provided with a hole 141 which is in registration with the bore 42. The cap 138 is provided with a bore 142 in alignment with the hole 141. An annular recess 143 is provided within the bore 142.
As hereinafter described, a plurality of tools are adapted to be utilized with the endoscopic device 31. One of such tools is shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12. This tool 166 as shown therein consists of an elongate inner tubular member 167 which is provided with a bore 168 extending axially thereof and therethrough. The inner elongate tubular member can be formed of a suitable material such as stainless steel and can have a suitable exterior diameter such as 3 to 10 mm and by way of example 7 mm, and a suitable interior diameter of 2 to 9 mm and by way of example 6 mm. The tubular member 167 can have a suitable length, as for example ranging from 305-508 mm (12-20"). It is provided with proximal and distal extremities 169 and 171.
A locking and actuation mechanism 172 is mounted on the proximal extremity 169. This mechanism 172 consists of an outer sleeve which is slidably mounted on the proximal extremity 169 of the inner tubular member 167. The proximal extremity of the sleeve 173 is fixed to a slider clip 174. The slider clip 174 is formed of a suitable material such as plastic and is provided with a serrated annulus on its distal extremity adapted to engage the serrations 140 on the cap 138 of the hand held surgical device 31, the slider clip 174 is provided with a pair of arms 176 spaced 180° apart extending parallel to the axis of the sleeve 173. Additional arms 176 can be provided if a further distribution of linear forces is desirable. The arms 176 are substantially L-shaped and are provided with laterally extending legs 177 which extend into slots 178 provided in a cylindrical slider cap 179. The legs 177 are also provided with protrusions 180 which are rectangular in cross-section and extend outwardly so that they are adapted to seat in the annular recess 143 in the cap 138 as hereinafter described. The cylindrical slider cap 179 is provide with an inwardly and distally extending skirt 181 that is secured to the proximal extremity of the inner tubular member 167. Yieldable means in the form of a coil spring 182 is provided on the proximal extremity of the inner tubular member 167 and has one end engaging the skirt 181 and has the other end engaging the slider clip 174 (see Fig. 11).
An outer sleeve 183 formed of a suitable material such as Ultem (trademark) is coaxially mounted on the slider cap 179 and engages a shoulder 184 provided on the slider cap 179, and is maintained in engagement therewith by a friction fit. The outer surface of the outer sleeve 183 is provided with an annular groove 186 which is arcuate in cross-section, as shown particularly in Fig. 10, that is disposed between the proximal and distal extremities of the outer sleeve 183. As shown in Fig. 11, the proximal extremity 187 is provided with an annular inclined surface 188 that overlies the outwardly extending legs 177 provided on the slider arms 176 to control their outward movement for purposes hereinafter described. The distal extremity 189 is provided with inwardly extending cylindrical protrusions 191 mounted thereon which are adapted to engage the L-shaped recesses 161 provided in the surgical device 31 for forming cooperative locking means between the same in the form of a bayonet-type lock.
Sealing means is provided in the proximal extremity of the slider cap 179 and consists of a valve member 216 of the type described in US Patent No. 5,141,498 issued August 25, 1992, which is clamped in place so that it is in generally axial alignment with the bore 168 of the inner tubular member 167. The valve member 216 is held in place by a cap 217 which threadedly engages a cylindrical extension 218 of the skirt 181 of the slider cap 179. A hole 219 is provided in the cap 217 which is in alignment with the valve member 216 and the bore 168. The valve member serves to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the cap and the open end of the bore 168 provided in the inner tubular member 167.
As shown in Fig. 30, the adapter assembly 16 is adapted to be mounted in the tool 311 and can be advanced through the hole 219 in the cap 17 through the valve member 216 and into the inner tubular member 267 so that the swaged portion 317 makes good electrical contact with the interior of the inner tubular member 167. At the same time, communication is established between the bore 319 and the bore 168 of the tubular member 167. The connector 328 is connected to the connector 157 provided on the endoscopic device 31.
Operation and use of the hand held surgical device and tools for use therewith, the assembly thereof and the method may now briefly be described as follows. Let it be assumed that the patient has been prepared and draped for performing a medical procedure, as for example a laparoscopy for removing a diseased gallbladder. The surgeon places a puncture in the abdomen with a small tool such as a Veres needle. Carbon dioxide is introduced into this puncture to cause a partial inflation of the abdomen to thereby create a cavity in the abdominal area. The Veres needle can then be removed, and a trocar can be introduced into the abdomen through the same puncture or in a position adjacent to the needle. The trocar can be of a conventional type or can be of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 5,176,648, issued January 5, 1993. With the trocar in place, additional carbon dioxide is introduced into the abdomen to further inflate the abdomen to a pressure corresponding to approximately 15 mm of mercury. With the abdomen so inflated, an endoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity so that the interior of the abdominal cavity can be visualized on a video monitor. Thereafter, three additional trocars are positioned in the abdomen, one adjacent the patient's upper left-hand portion of the abdomen, another at the upper right-hand portion of the abdomen, and the third at the lower right-hand portion of the abdomen. These additional sites are used for introduction of various tools typically utilized during endoscopic surgery. For example, the four trocars thus far described would be utilized to remove a gallbladder. The surgeon, after the trocar is in place, takes the endoscopy device 31 of the present invention and grasps it by either his right hand or left hand by grasping the pistol grip-handle portion 34. The surgeon then positions the barrel 121 so that it can enter the trocar and be advanced into the abdomen while the interior of the abdomen is being visualized on the video monitor. The surgeon then selects the desired tool to be utilized with the endoscopy device 31. For example, the first tool the surgeon may select may be a grasper of the type shown in Figs. 18 and 19. With the grasper 256 locked in place in the endoscopy device 31, the surgeon can manipulate the grasper 256 to manipulate the liver and/or the gallbladder by grabbing onto one of the organs and pulling on it or pushing on it so that the desired positions of the organs are achieved to permit the surgeon to perform the gallbladder removal procedure.
Movement of the trigger bar from 12.7-15.9 mm (1/2-5/8") causes approximately 3.18 mm (1/8") of travel of the actuator tube assembly 41, which movement is utilized to cause opening and closing of the jaws 257 and 258. Because of the approximately 4-to-1 mechanical advantage which is achieved, the application of 2.2 kilograms (1 pound) of force by the surgeon to the trigger bar 81 will cause the application of approximately 8.8 kilograms (4 pounds) of force by the inside surfaces of the grasper jaws 257 and 258. The mechanism for operating the jaws 257 and 258 is one in which pushing of the rod 201 serves to cause closing of the jaws and pulling of the rod 201 causes opening of the jaws 257 and 258. The mechanical advantage is maximised at the point of closure, which is achieved by the pushing toggle action.
A catheter (not shown) can then be introduced by the surgeon through another trocar and advanced into the ductwork. A radiopaque dye can then be introduced through the catheter into the ductwork, and by viewing the same under x-ray the surgeon can ascertain whether or not in fact he has cut the cystic duct. Assuming that the cystic duct has been severed as desired, another tool can be introduced through a trocar such as a clip applier to apply clips to close the cystic duct. A similar procedure can be utilized for cutting the artery and clipping the same. Once the cystic duct and the artery have been legated, the doctor can cut through the cystic duct and the artery without fear of causing internal bleeding. The gallbladder can then be dissected from the liver by use of the scissor tool 166, thte hook 306 or the spatula 312.
In the removal of the gallbladder it may be desirable to use an additional tool or another tool such as the spatula tool 311 shown in Figs. 27 and 28 with an adapter assembly 316 mounted thereon. After the spatula tool 311 has been introduced into the endoscopy device 31 and locked in place, the spatula 312 can be manipulated to separate the gallbladder from the liver by physical separation utilizing the spatula. Alternatively, electrocautery techniques can be utilized in conjunction with the spatula 312 which by operation of the switches 151 and 152 can be used to burn away the undesired tissue and to perform electrocautery where necessary. The electrical arcing created between the spatula and the tissue will cut through and coagulate away the connective tissue between the gallbladder and the liver. In this way, the gallbladder can be systematically dissected free from the liver.
After the gallbladder has been separated from the liver, it can be removed from the abdominal cavity through one of the puncture wounds which has been formed in the abdominal wall. Alternatively, the surgeon can utilize a retrieval device such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,190,555, issued March 2, 1993, which can be introduced through one of the punctures and the gallbladder and its contents placed into the sack. The sack can then be closed and the sack with its contents, namely the gallbladder, bile and stones, can then be pulled through the abdominal puncture or wound. After the gallbladder has been removed, the other trocars can be removed, as well as the endoscope. The abdomen is then deflated or desufflated. The puncture wounds in the abdomen are then closed with one or more sutures.
A hand-held surgical device (31) for use with an operable tool (166) having proximal (169) and distal (171) extremities, the tool having tool parts (246a,246b) and an actuation mechanism (172) for operating the tool parts, the tool parts being disposed at the distal extremity of the tool and the proximal extremity being sized to be adapted to be grasped by the human hand and for use in performing a laparoscopic medical procedure comprising a handle assembly (34) having proximal (47) and distal (46) extremities and having a bore (42) extending therethrough from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity, said bore being sized so that the tool can be removably positioned within the bore so that the tool parts extend out of the bore at the distal extremity of the handle assembly and so that the proximal extremity of the tool remains out of the bore at the proximal extremity of the handle assembly to permit the tool to be grasped by the human hand to facilitate positioning of the tool within the bore, said handle assembly including hand operated means (106) adapted to cause operation of the actuation mechanism of said tool, characterized in that said handle assembly includes hand operated means (56) for causing rotational movement of the tool with respect to said handle assembly.
A device as in Claim 1 further characterized in that said handle assembly includes a housing (32), an actuator tube assembly (41) slidably mounted in said housing for limited slidable movement in said housing and providing said bore, a barrel (121) carried by said housing and having a bore (122) extending therethrough with the bore in the housing being in alignment with the bore in the actuator tube assembly, in that said hand operated means includes means for causing axial movement of the actuator tube assembly and in that valve means (136) is mounted in the bore of the actuator tube assembly for substantially inhibiting the flow of fluid through said bore of the actuator tube assembly.
A device as in Claim 2 further characterized in that coupling means (44, 127) is provided for coupling said barrel to said actuator tube assembly and permitting axial movement of the actuator tube assembly (41) with respect to the barrel.
A device as in Claim 3 further characterized in that coupling means is in the form of a trombone-like connection.
A device as in Claim 4 further characterized in that said trombone-like connection includes first and second tubes (44,127) coaxially and slidably mounted on each other.
A device as in Claim 1 in combination with said tool further characterized in that said operable tool means is removably mounted in said bore of the device and in that said operable tool means and said handle assembly include cooperative means for establishing a substantially fluid-tight seal in said bore between the handle assembly.
A combination as in Claim 6 further characterized in that an adapter (316) is removably and rotatably secured to said operable tool means, said operable tool means having a bore (168) therein in communication with the bore in the device, said adapter having a bore (319) therein in communication with the bore in said operable tool means and in that said assembly includes means carried by said operable tool means for establishing a fluid-tight connection between the bore in said operable tool means and the adapter.
A combination as in Claim 7 further characterized in that switch means (153, 154) is carried by the device for causing a liquid to be delivered to the bore in said device or alternatively to provide a vacuum to the bore in said device.
A combination as in Claim 7 further characterized in that switch means (153, 154) is carried by the device for supplying electrical energy to the operable tool means to perform electrocautery operations and electrical cable means is carried by the adapter and connected to said switch means.
A combination as in Claim 6 further characterized in that said tool parts are in the form of serrated jaws (257, 258).
A combination as in Claim 10 further characterized in that said serrated jaws are formed of a metal and in that said jaws include coverings (261, 262) mounted on said jaws and having spaces (263) therein exposing the metal of the jaws.
A combination as in Claim 11 further characterized in that said tool parts are in the form of opposed clam shells (267,268).
A combination as in Claim 12 further characterized in that said clam shells have exposed exterior surfaces and metal knife-like edges (277) and include insulating material (276) covering substantially all of the exterior surfaces of the clam shells but excluding the knife-like edges.
A combination as in Claim 6 further characterized in that one of said tool parts is provided with a hook-like portion (286).
EP92311041A 1991-12-13 1992-12-03 Hand-held surgical device and tools for use therewith Expired - Lifetime EP0546767B1 (en)
US806666 1991-12-13
US07/806,666 US5433725A (en) 1991-12-13 1991-12-13 Hand-held surgical device and tools for use therewith, assembly and method
EP0546767A2 EP0546767A2 (en) 1993-06-16
EP0546767A3 EP0546767A3 (en) 1993-12-22
EP0546767B1 true EP0546767B1 (en) 1998-09-30
EP92311041A Expired - Lifetime EP0546767B1 (en) 1991-12-13 1992-12-03 Hand-held surgical device and tools for use therewith
AT (1) AT171608T (en)
AU (1) AU663901B2 (en)
EP2517636A1 (en) * 2011-04-27 2012-10-31 Tyco Healthcare Group LP Surgical instruments for use with diagnostic scanning devices
AU2004201772B2 (en) * 1999-09-03 2006-01-19 Conmed Corporation Electrosurgical coagulating and cutting instrument
1991-12-13 US US07/806,666 patent/US5433725A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
1992-11-30 AU AU29709/92A patent/AU663901B2/en not_active Ceased
1992-12-03 EP EP92311041A patent/EP0546767B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
1992-12-03 DE DE69227173T patent/DE69227173T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
1992-12-03 AT AT92311041T patent/AT171608T/en not_active IP Right Cessation
1992-12-03 DE DE69227173A patent/DE69227173D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
1992-12-11 CA CA002084751A patent/CA2084751A1/en not_active Abandoned
1992-12-14 JP JP4361670A patent/JPH06193A/en active Pending
1994-07-29 US US08/282,892 patent/US5601601A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
1997-02-10 US US08/798,373 patent/US5868785A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
DE69227173D1 (en) 1998-11-05
JPH06193A (en) 1994-01-11
US5601601A (en) 1997-02-11
AU2970992A (en) 1993-06-17
AU663901B2 (en) 1995-10-26
US5433725A (en) 1995-07-18
US5868785A (en) 1999-02-09
AT171608T (en) 1998-10-15
DE69227173T2 (en) 1999-02-18
CA2084751A1 (en) 1993-06-14
EP0546767A2 (en) 1993-06-16
EP0546767A3 (en) 1993-12-22
1993-12-01 RHK1 Main classification (correction)
1993-12-29 D17D Search report (deleted)
1998-08-05 RAP1 Transfer of rights of an ep application
Owner name: UNISURGE HOLDINGS, INC.
Ref document number: 171608
Ref document number: 69227173
1999-02-26 EN Fr: translation not filed
Owner name: UNISURGE HOLDINGS INC.