Laparoscopic instrument and trocar system and related surgical method

Abstract

Laparoscopic instruments and cannulas are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the C-shaped trocar sleeves or through the cannula and instrument holder unit provide markedly improved degrees of instruments' freedom during trans-umbilical laparoscopic procedures.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to surgical instruments, and particularly to laparoscopic instruments, which facilitate the performance of laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus.BACKGROUND[0002]Abdominal laparoscopic surgery gained popularity in the late 1980's, when benefits of laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder over traditional (open) operation became evident. Reduced postoperative recovery time, markedly decreased post-operative pain and wound infection, and improved cosmetic outcome are well established benefits of laparoscopic surgery, derived mainly from the ability of laparoscopic surgeons to perform an operation utilizing smaller incisions of the body cavity wall.[0003]Laparoscopic procedures generally involve insufflation of the abdominal cavity with CO2 gas to a pressure of around 15 mm Hg. The abdominal wall is pierced and a 5-10 mm in diameter straight tubular cannula or trocar sleeve is then inserted into the abdominal cavi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a laparoscopic instrument and a cannula holder that can be used in laparoscopic procedures through a single opening in the patient's abdominal wall, such as an umbilicus. The instrument has an elongate shaft with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, which can be independently bendable to form a smoothly curved C shape. The distal end portion can also be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The instrument can be used in a laparoscopic procedure through a laparoscopic trocar sleeve, and it provides enhanced operational flexibility and workspace between the surgeon's hands. The instrument can also be used in a standalone laparoscopic procedure through a single opening in the patient's abdomen. The invention also provides a laparoscopic medical instrument with a flexible shaft and a plurality of differently shaped segments that can be maintained as the differently shaped segments. The instrument can also be used in a laparoscopic procedure through a laparoscopic trocar sleeve.

Problems solved by technology

However, instruments used for mini-laparoscopic procedures are generally more expensive and fragile.

Because of their performance limitations, due to their smaller diameter (weak suction-irrigation system, poor durability, decreased video quality), mini-laparoscopic instruments can generally be used only on selected patients with favorable anatomy (thin cavity wall, few adhesions, minimal inflammation, etc.).

In addition, smaller, 2-3 mm, incisions may still cause undesirable cosmetic outcomes and wound complications (bleeding, infection, pain, keloid formation, etc.).

This interference greatly reduces the surgeon's ability to perform a described procedure.

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