Patent ID: 8080004

Claim:
A laparoscopic surgical instrument configured to be ergonomic and anthropometrically correct, said laparoscopic surgical instrument comprising: an ergonomic handle comprising a riser and a handle grip that extends continuously from an uppermost surface of said riser in a rearward and downward direction, said riser extending away from an upper region of said handle grip; an actuating mechanism actuatable by a finger of a user and supported by said handle, said actuating mechanism comprising an actuator shaft and a gearing assembly operable to displace said actuator shaft with a mechanical advantage; a pivoting trigger facilitating operation of said actuating mechanism, and extending downward from a pivot point located about said riser in a forwardly offset position relative to said handle grip, wherein upon rotation towards said handle grip, a longitudinal axis of said trigger converges with a longitudinal axis of said handle grip, and wherein a continual clearance is maintained between said trigger and said handle grip throughout said rotation of said trigger, said offset position substantially correlating to a neutral orientation of said hand; a locking mechanism configured to lock said actuating mechanism in one of a plurality of positions, said locking mechanism comprising a release operable by said user, and positioned about the riser so as to correlate to a neutral orientation of said hand; and a working shaft having a proximal end coupled to and operable with said actuator shaft, said working shaft having an elongate configuration and a distal working end configured to couple a surgical tool to be manipulated by said user via said handle and said actuating mechanism to perform a surgical function, wherein during use of the instrument, a hand of the user is maintained in a position consistent with a functional position of the hand, and wherein the laparoscopic surgical instrument provides an ergonomically and anthropometrically correct design that minimizes stress on said hand of said user.