tongs

Abstract

A pair of pliers is provided. The pliers include a shaft, a wire that is movable in a length direction within the shaft, and a first arm and a second arm each having a first jaw and a second jaw and being swingably connected to each other by a third connecting member. The first arm is swingably connected to a distal end of the shaft by a first connecting member, and the second arm is swingably connected to a distal end of the wire by a second connecting member. The third connecting member is disposed between the first jaw and the first connecting member and between the second jaw and the second connecting member, and is disposed beside the wire in a state in which the first jaw and the second jaw are open. The first jaw and the second jaw are closed while the third connecting member is moved to an outer side in a transverse direction with respect to the shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to pliers. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional surgical forceps are known to have a pair of clamps at the distal end for holding an object (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Conventional forceps like those in Patent Document 1 are configured such that the pair of clamps open and close in a direction intersecting the length direction of the forceps, suitable for holding an object in front of the forceps.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-501704 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Figure 12A and Figure 12B The method of using forceps 1' inserted into the bronchial lumen B to collect tissue from tumor C is described. Figure 12A As shown, when tumor C is located in front of forceps 1', tissue can be collected using conventional forceps 1'. On the other hand, as... Figure 12B As shown, when tumor C is located to the side of forceps 1', it is difficult to collect tissue using the conventional forceps 1'.

[0008] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0009] One technical solution of the present invention is a pair of pliers, comprising: a long shaft; a long wire disposed within the shaft and movable along the length direction of the shaft; a first arm disposed on the distal side of the shaft, having a first clamp and oscillatingly connected to the distal end of the shaft via a first connector; and a second arm disposed on the distal side of the shaft, having a second clamp and oscillatingly connected to the distal end of the wire via a second connector. The first arm and the second arm are oscillatingly connected to each other via a third connector, the third connector being disposed between the first clamp and the first connector and between the second clamp and the second connector. By moving the wire, the second connector moves relative to the first connector along the length direction, thereby opening and closing the first clamp and the second clamp. When the first clamp and the second clamp are open, the third connector is disposed beside the wire. Simultaneously, as the third connector moves laterally outward relative to the shaft, the first clamp and the second clamp close.

[0010] The reference method of the present invention uses the above-described forceps tissue collection method, wherein the forceps with the first and second clamps open are inserted into a sheath disposed within a body cavity, so that the first and second arms protrude from the distal end of the sheath; by moving the wire along the length direction, the first and second clamps are closed to collect tissue; by pulling the shaft, the first and second arms of the first and second clamps are retracted into the sheath; the forceps are pulled out of the sheath, the first and second clamps are opened, and tissue is removed from the first and second clamps. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1A This is a side view of a pair of pliers according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the open state of a pair of arms.

[0012] Figure 1B This is an explanation Figure 1A A side view of the clamps in motion, showing the intermediate state of a pair of arms.

[0013] Figure 1C This is an explanation Figure 1A A side view of the action of the pliers, showing the closed state of a pair of arms.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the tissue collection method of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3A This is an instruction on how to use. Figure 1A A diagram illustrating the tissue collection method using forceps.

[0016] Figure 3B This is an instruction on how to use. Figure 1A A diagram illustrating the tissue collection method using forceps.

[0017] Figure 3C This is an instruction on how to use. Figure 1A A diagram illustrating the tissue collection method using forceps.

[0018] Figure 3D This is an instruction on how to use. Figure 1A A diagram illustrating the tissue collection method using forceps.

[0019] Figure 3E This is an instruction on how to use. Figure 1A A diagram illustrating the tissue collection method using forceps.

[0020] Figure 4A Is Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a linkage mechanism set in a pair of arms of a pair of pliers.

[0021] Figure 4BThis is a schematic diagram of a linkage mechanism set in a pair of arms in conventional pliers.

[0022] Figure 5A This indicates that it was used. Figure 1A A diagram illustrating a modified version of the forceps for tissue collection.

[0023] Figure 5B This indicates that it was used. Figure 1A A diagram illustrating a modified version of the forceps for tissue collection.

[0024] Figure 6A yes Figure 1A A side view of another variation of the pliers.

[0025] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A top view of the pliers.

[0026] Figure 7A yes Figure 1A A side view of another variation of the pliers, showing the open state of the pair of arms.

[0027] Figure 7B This is an explanation Figure 7A A side view of the clamps in motion, showing the intermediate state of a pair of arms.

[0028] Figure 7C This is an explanation Figure 7A A side view of the action of the pliers, showing the closed state of a pair of arms.

[0029] Figure 7D This is an explanation Figure 7A A side view of the action of the pliers, showing the horizontal position of the pair of arms.

[0030] Figure 8A This indicates that it is set in Figure 7A A side view of the stop structure of the pliers.

[0031] Figure 8B This indicates that it is set in Figure 7A A side view of the stop structure of the pliers.

[0032] Figure 8C From Figure 8B A top view of the pliers from the top side.

[0033] Figure 9A yes Figure 1A A side view of a pair of arms in another variation of the pliers, showing the open state of the pair of arms.

[0034] Figure 9B Observation from the proximal side Figure 9A Rear view of a pair of arms.

[0035] Figure 10A express Figure 9A The closed state of the pliers.

[0036] Figure 10B Observation from the proximal side Figure 10A Rear view of a pair of arms.

[0037] Figure 10C Viewed from below Figure 10A A bottom view of a pair of arms.

[0038] Figure 11A It is a three-dimensional diagram of a modified example of a pair of clamps.

[0039] Figure 11B It is in a closed state. Figure 11A A cross-sectional view of a pair of clamps.

[0040] Figure 12A This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the forceps and the tumor in a method of collecting tumor tissue using forceps inside the bronchial lumen.

[0041] Figure 12B This diagram illustrates the relationship between the forceps and other parts of the tumor in a method of collecting tumor tissue using forceps inside the bronchial lumen.

[0042] Label Explanation

[0043] 1 Pliers

[0044] 2-axis

[0045] 3. Wire

[0046] 3a Hard part

[0047] 4 First Arm

[0048] 5 Second Arm

[0049] 6 First clamp

[0050] 7 Second clamp

[0051] 13 slots

[0052] 13a First Terminal

[0053] 13b Second Terminal

[0054] 15A Engaging part, locking mechanism

[0055] 15B Card engagement part, locking mechanism

[0056] 20 Sheaths

[0057] B. Bronchial lumen, body cavity

[0058] J1 First Connector

[0059] J2 Second Connector

[0060] J3 Third Connector Detailed Implementation

[0061] The forceps and tissue collection method of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] In this embodiment, the forceps 1 is a biopsy forceps inserted into a body cavity to collect tissue. For example... Figures 1A to 1C As shown, the pliers 1 has a long and tubular shaft 2, a long wire 3 disposed within the shaft 2, and a first arm 4 and a second arm 5 disposed at the distal end of the shaft 2.

[0063] like Figure 1A As shown, the pliers 1 have a length direction Z, a vertical direction Y, and a horizontal direction X. The length direction Z is along the central axis (length axis) A of axis 2. The vertical direction Y and the horizontal direction X are transverse directions orthogonal to the central axis A of axis 2, and they are mutually orthogonal.

[0064] Shaft 2 is flexible and can be inserted into the body cavity while bending along the shape of the cavity.

[0065] The cable 3 is flexible and is arranged along the length direction Z within the shaft 2, allowing it to move relative to the shaft 2 along the length direction Z. The proximal end of the cable 3 is connected to a handle (not shown) located on the proximal side of the shaft 2. By operating the handle, the cable 3 is pressed and pulled along the length direction Z, causing a pair of clamps 6 and 7 to open and close as described later.

[0066] Each arm 4 and 5 has a first side and a second side that is opposite to the first side. The first arm 4 has a first clamp 6 on the first side and a first link 8 on the second side. The second arm 5 has a second clamp 7 on the first side and a second link 9 on the second side.

[0067] Clamps 6 and 7 are bowl-shaped cups with concave surfaces 6a and 7a, respectively. In the closed state described later (refer to...) Figure 1C Below, concave surfaces 6a and 7a are opposite each other, forming a space for storing the organization on the inner side of a pair of clamps 6 and 7.

[0068] The first arm 4 is connected to the distal end of the shaft 2 via a first connector J1 in a manner that allows it to swing about a first shaft P1. The first shaft P1 extends in the left-right direction X. The first connector J1 is located at the end of the second side of the first link 8 and remains stationary relative to the shaft 2.

[0069] The second arm 5 is connected to the distal end of the wire 3 via a second connector J2 in a manner that allows it to swing about a second axis P2. The second axis P2 extends in the left-right direction X and is parallel or substantially parallel to the first axis P1. The second connector J2 is disposed at the end of the second side of the second link 9 and is movable relative to the axis 2 in the length direction Z and the vertical direction Y, together with the distal end of the wire 3.

[0070] The first arm 4 and the second arm 5 are connected by a third connector J3 in a manner that allows them to swing relative to each other about a third axis P3. The third axis P3 extends in the left-right direction X and is parallel or substantially parallel to axes P1 and P2. The third connector J3 is located between the first clamp 6 and the first connector J1, and between the second clamp 7 and the second connector J2. More specifically, the third connector J3 is located at the end of the first side of each link 8 and 9, connecting the links 8 and 9 arranged in the left-right direction X in a manner that allows them to swing relative to each other. The third connector J3 is movable relative to the axis 2 and the wire 3 in the length direction Z and the vertical direction Y.

[0071] Figure 1A This indicates the maximum open state of a pair of clamps 6 and 7. Figure 1C This indicates the closed state of a pair of clamps 6 and 7, where they are closed until they contact each other. Figure 1B This represents the intermediate state between the open and closed states.

[0072] The second connector J2 can be in the open position relative to shaft 2 (see reference). Figure 1A ) and closed position (refer to) Figure 1C The clamps move between the two sides. The open position is the position where the clamps move from the proximal end of shaft 2 to the distal end, and the clamps 6 and 7 are configured to be open. The closed position is the position where the clamps move from the open position to the proximal end, and the clamps 6 and 7 are configured to be closed.

[0073] As the wire 3 moves, the second connector J2 moves along the length direction Z between the open and closed positions, thereby causing a pair of arms 4 and 5 to swing around the third axis P3, and a pair of clamps 6 and 7 to open and close.

[0074] Specifically, the pressed wire 3 moves distally, thereby causing the second connector J2 to move away from the first connector J1 towards the open position. As a result, the pair of clamps 6 and 7 swing open in mutually distancing opening directions.

[0075] In the open state, the distal end of wire 3 protrudes from the distal end of shaft 2, and the second connector J2 is positioned on the distal side relative to the first connector J1. The two connectors J1 and J2 are arranged along the length direction Z. In a side view viewed along the left-right direction X parallel to axes P1, P2, and P3, the two connectors J1 and J2 in the open state are arranged on the long axis of wire 3.

[0076] Furthermore, in the open state, the third connector J3 is positioned next to the wire 3 in the vertical Y direction, and is positioned away from the wire 3 towards the pair of clamps 6, 7 (upper side). Therefore, the pair of clamps 6, 7 are positioned with their concave surfaces 6a, 7a facing upwards.

[0077] On the other hand, the pulled wire 3 retracts towards the proximal side, thereby causing the second connector J2 to move towards the first connector J1. As a result, the pair of clamps 6 and 7 swing and close in a closing direction that approaches each other.

[0078] In the closed state, a pair of arms 4 and 5 extend upward from axis 2.

[0079] Furthermore, in the closed state, the second connecting member J2 coincides with the first connecting member J1 in the left-right direction, and the position of the second connecting member J2 is consistent with the position of the first connecting member J1 in the length direction Z. That is, in the closed state, shafts P1 and P2 are aligned, therefore, the pair of arms 4 and 5 in the closed state are as follows: Figure 1C As shown by the double-dotted line, it can rotate around axes P1 and P2.

[0080] Here, since the third connector J3 can move relative to the shaft 2 and the wire 3, as the second connector J2 approaches the first connector J1, the third connector J3 moves upward (laterally outward) relative to the shaft 2 and the wire 3. As a result, the pair of clamps 6 and 7 close while moving upward together with the third connector J3.

[0081] Next, the tissue collection method using forceps 1 will be explained.

[0082] like Figure 12B As shown, the forceps 1 in this embodiment is used to collect tissue from a lesion C adjacent to the body cavity B. Hereinafter, the case of collecting tissue from a lesion C, such as a tumor adjacent to the bronchus, from the inside of the bronchial cavity (body cavity) B will be described.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the tissue collection method of this embodiment includes: step S1 of inserting a pair of forceps 1 with arms 4 and 5 in the open state into a sheath 20; step S2 of causing the pair of arms 4 and 5 to protrude from the distal end of the sheath 20; step S3 of closing a pair of forceps 6 and 7 to collect tissue; step S4 of storing the pair of arms 4 and 5 in the closed state inside the sheath 20; step S5 of pulling the forceps 1 out of the sheath 20; and step S6 of removing tissue from the pair of forceps 6 and 7.

[0084] The sheath 20 is inserted into the bronchial lumen B through an opening such as the mouth, with the distal end of the sheath 20 positioned adjacent to the lesion C. Alignment of the sheath 20 with the lesion C is performed, for example, using an ultrasound probe inserted into the bronchial lumen B via the sheath 20.

[0085] In step S1, the doctor or other operator configures a pair of arms 4 and 5 to open a pair of clamps 6 and 7, and then inserts the clamps 1 into the sheath 20.

[0086] Next, in step S2, the operator moves the pliers 1 forward within the sheath 20, as follows: Figure 3A As shown, a pair of arms 4 and 5 protrude from the distal end of the sheath 20. The protruding pair of arms 4 and 5 are positioned adjacent to the lesion C, and the open pair of clamps 6 and 7 are positioned toward the lesion C.

[0087] Next, in step S3, as Figure 3B and Figure 3C As shown, the operator closes a pair of clamps 6 and 7 by pulling the wire 3, thereby collecting tissue from the lesion C into the clamps 6 and 7. At this time, the clamps 6 and 7 move towards the lesion C, pressing into the lesion C while closing. Therefore, the clamps 6 and 7 can firmly grasp the lesion C, reliably and efficiently collecting a large amount of tissue into the closed clamps 6 and 7.

[0088] Next, in step S4, as Figure 3D and Figure 3E As shown, the operator pulls the shaft 2 of the clamps 1 to retract the closed pair of arms 4 and 5 from their distal ends into the sheath 20. At this time, the closed pair of arms 4 and 5, through contact with the distal end of the sheath 20, rotate around the shafts P1 and P2 and fall down while being retracted into the sheath 20. Thus, the pair of arms 4 and 5 retracted into the sheath 20 are arranged along the length direction Z.

[0089] Next, in step S5, the operator pulls the pliers 1 out of the sheath 20 by pulling the shaft 2 towards the proximal side, and removes the pliers 1.

[0090] Next, in step S6, the operator opens a pair of clamps 6 and 7 outside the body and removes the collected tissue from the clamps 6 and 7.

[0091] Figure 4A This refers to the linkage mechanism of the pair of arms 4 and 5 in the pliers 1 of this embodiment. Figure 4B This refers to the linkage mechanism of a pair of arms 41 and 51 in a typical pair of pliers 1'. For example... Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown, the difference between the pliers 1 of this embodiment and the conventional pliers 1' lies in the configuration and operation of the connectors J1, J2, and J3, as well as the opening and closing directions of the pair of clamps 6 and 7. Arrow F indicates the force applied from the wire 3 to the connectors J2 and J3.

[0092] Specifically, in the conventional pliers 1', connector j3 is fixed on the extension line (length direction Z) of the central axis A of shaft 2. A pair of clamps 61, 71 open towards the front of the central axis A of shaft 2, and the second connector j2 is positioned relative to the first connector j1 along a transverse direction intersecting the central axis A (in... Figure 4B The middle part moves in the up-down direction, thereby causing a pair of clamps 61 and 71 to open and close laterally and then close forward.

[0093] In contrast, in the clamps 1 of this embodiment, the third connector J3 is positioned beside the central axis A of the shaft 2 (in... Figure 4A The middle part (above axis A) can move relative to axis 2. A pair of clamps 6 and 7 open laterally outward (above), and the second connector J2 moves relative to the first connector J1 along the length direction, thereby the pair of clamps 6 and 7 opening and closing along the length direction Z and closing laterally.

[0094] With conventional forceps 1' as described above, it is impossible to open and close the pair of clamps 6 and 7 inside the bronchial lumen B toward the lesion C adjacent to the bronchial lumen B. Therefore, it is difficult to collect a sufficient amount of tissue from the adjacent lesion C using conventional forceps 1'.

[0095] In contrast, according to this embodiment, a pair of clamps 6 and 7 open laterally outward relative to the axis 2 and close while moving laterally outward. Therefore, while pressing the clamps 6 and 7 into the adjacent lesion C, the closed clamps 6 and 7 can be used to efficiently collect tissue from the lesion C.

[0096] In the structure of the clamps 1 in this embodiment, when the wire 3 is flexible along its entire length, the position of the second connector J2 may become unstable. For example, when the wire 3 moves along the length direction Z, the second connector J2 may not necessarily move linearly along the length direction Z; the second connector J2 may also shift laterally along the X and Y directions. For stable opening and closing of the pair of clamps 6 and 7, it is preferable that the second connector J2 moves linearly along the length direction Z.

[0097] Therefore, as Figures 1A to 1C as well as Figures 5A to 6B As shown, the pliers 1 can also have a linear movement mechanism that allows the second connecting member J2 to move linearly along the length direction Z of the shaft 2.

[0098] exist Figures 1A to 1CIn this linear motion mechanism, a rigid distal portion 3a of a wire 3 is disposed between connectors J1 and J2. That is, the wire 3 has a rigid portion 3a and a flexible portion 3b composed of other flexible parts. The rigid portion 3a and the flexible portion 3b are connected to each other via a connecting portion 3c.

[0099] exist Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B In the linear motion mechanism, there are connecting links 10 and 11 located on the side of arms 4 and 5 opposite to the clamps 6 and 7, connecting links 8 and 9. For example, the four connecting links 8, 9, 10, and 11 form a rhomboid linkage mechanism that causes the second connecting member J2 to move linearly.

[0100] According to this structure, such as Figure 5A As shown, when the pair of clamps 6 and 7 are closed, the connecting rods 10 and 11 press against the inner wall of the body cavity B on the side opposite to the lesion C. This allows the pair of clamps 6 and 7 to be pressed into the lesion C with greater force.

[0101] exist Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B In this linear motion mechanism, a rigid track 12 guides the second connecting member J2 along the length direction Z. The track 12 extends distally from the shaft 2 along the length direction Z and is fixed to the shaft 2. The track 12 supports the end of the second connecting member J2, which protrudes from the second link 9, allowing it to move along the length direction Z. Figure 6B The illustration of the first arm 4 is omitted in the text.

[0102] Having Figures 5A to 6B In the case of a linear motion mechanism, the distal portion of wire 3 can also be flexible.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the second connector J2 is stationary relative to the second arm 5, but alternatively, the second connector J2 can be movable relative to the second arm 5. Specifically, as follows: Figures 7A to 7D As shown, the second arm 5 may also have a groove 13 that supports the second connector J2 in a sliding manner. Figures 7A to 7D The illustration of axis 2 is omitted in the text.

[0104] After the tissue is collected into the closed pair of clamps 6 and 7, in order to prevent the pair of clamps 6 and 7 from accidentally opening and causing the tissue to fall out of the clamps 6 and 7, it is preferable to apply a further torque T along the closing direction to the closed pair of clamps 6 and 7 to reliably close the pair of clamps 6 and 7.

[0105] exist Figure 1A In the case of the pliers 1 structure, with the pair of arms 4 and 5 in the closed state and in a folded-down state (refer to...) Figure 3EIn this configuration, the third connector J3 is positioned on the extension of the line of action of the traction force F acting from the wire 3 to the second connector J2. Therefore, even if the wire 3 is continuously pulled in this state, no further torque T can be applied to the second clamp 7. The slot 13 is provided to eliminate this problem.

[0106] The slot 13 has a first terminal 13a and a second terminal 13b as its ends, and the slot 13 extends between the terminals 13a and 13b. The slot 13 supports the second connector J2 so that it can slide between the terminals 13a and 13b. The first terminal 13a and the second terminal 13b are positioned to satisfy the following conditions.

[0107] That is, such as Figure 7A As shown, in the open state, the first terminal 13a is offset relative to the third connector J3 in the vertical direction (specifically, the lower side) and is positioned closer to the position than the second terminal 13b. Figure 7D As shown, in the closed state, when the pair of arms 4 and 5 are arranged horizontally along the length direction Z, the second terminal 13b is offset relative to the third connector J3 in the vertical direction (specifically downward side) and is arranged at a position closer to the position side than the first terminal 13a.

[0108] like Figures 7A to 7C As shown, when the second connector J2, which is connected to the distal end of the wire 3, moves from the open position to the closed position, the second connector J2 is positioned at the first terminal 13a within the slot 13. In the closed state of this modified example, the second connector J2 is positioned at a different position than the first connector J1, and the pair of arms 4 and 5 in the closed state can rotate about the first axis P1.

[0109] After that, as Figure 7D As shown, during the process of the pair of arms 4 and 5 falling down in the closed state, the second connector J2 slides from the first terminal 13a toward the second terminal 13b within the groove 13 according to the traction force F acting from the wire 3. In the horizontal state where the pair of arms 4 and 5 are arranged along the length direction Z in the closed state, the second connector J2 located at the second terminal 13b is positioned lower than the third connector J3. Therefore, by means of the traction force F, a torque T about the closing direction of the third connector J3 is applied to the second arm 5, which reliably closes the pair of clamps 6 and 7.

[0110] In order to reliably close the pair of clamps 6 and 7 using torque T, the first arm 4 needs to resist torque T and not rotate. Therefore, as Figures 8A to 8C As shown, a stop structure is preferably provided, which prevents the first arm 4 from rotating further when the pair of arms 4 and 5 in the closed state rotate to the horizontal position. The horizontal position is the position where the arms 4 and 5 are arranged along the length direction Z. Figures 8A to 8C The diagrams of wire 3 and the second arm 5 are omitted.

[0111] In one structural example, the stop structure has a stop member 14 disposed on shaft 2. Figures 8A to 8C In this configuration, the stop 14 is formed by the distal end face of shaft 2. For example... Figure 8B as well as Figure 8C As shown, when the first arm 4 rotates to the closed position, the end face of the second side of the first arm 4 abuts against the stop 14, thereby preventing the rotation of the pair of arms 4 and 5 in the closed state. Thus, during the application of the traction force F, the pair of arms 4 and 5 in the closed state can be maintained in a horizontal position, reliably and continuously closing the pair of clamps 6 and 7.

[0112] exist Figures 7A to 7D In the middle, the groove 13 is straight, but as long as the second connector can slide smoothly from the first terminal 13a to the second terminal 13b according to the traction force F, the groove 13 can also be a shape other than a straight line, for example, it can also be an arc.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the forceps 1 may also include a locking mechanism that locks a pair of arms 4 and 5 when the pair of clamps 6 and 7 are closed, so that the pair of clamps 6 and 7 will not open again. By providing a locking mechanism, it is possible to prevent the collected tissue from falling out of the clamps 6 and 7, and to reliably remove all the tissue collected in the clamps 6 and 7 at one time from the body.

[0114] like Figures 9A to 10C As shown, the locking mechanism has a locked portion 15A disposed on one of a pair of arms 4, 5 and a locked portion 15B disposed on the other of the pair of arms 4, 5. In this example, the locked portion 15A is disposed on the first arm 4, and the locked portion 15B is disposed on the second arm 5.

[0115] In the open state, the engaging part 15B is fixed to the side of the second link 9 near the first link 8 in the left-right direction X. Figure 9B Observation from the proximal side Figure 9A The diagram shows arms 4 and 5. The engaging portion 15B is formed, for example, of an elastic material. In the open state, there is a gap in the left-right direction X between links 8 and 9, and the engaging portion 15B contacts the first link 8. A force is applied to the pair of arms 4 and 5 via the third connector J3 in a direction that brings them closer together. Therefore, while the engaging portion 15B slides on the surface of the first link 8, a pair of clamps 6 and 7 close.

[0116] like Figures 10A to 10C As shown, when the pair of clamps 6 and 7 are closed, the engaging part 15B passes through the first link 8, thereby causing the links 8 and 9 to approach each other in the left-right direction X. The engaging part 15B engages with the proximal side of the first link 8, which is the engaged part 15A. Thus, the pair of arms 4 and 5 are locked so that the pair of clamps 6 and 7 will not open. Figure 10B Observation from the proximal side Figure 10A The diagrams for arms 4 and 5. Figure 10C Viewed from below Figure 10A The diagram of arms 4 and 5.

[0117] also, Figures 9A to 10C The engaging part 15A and engaging part 15B are examples. As long as the engaging part 15A and engaging part 15B engage with each other when a pair of clamps 6 and 7 are closed, the engaging part 15A and engaging part 15B can also be other types.

[0118] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 11A as well as Figure 11B As shown, at least one of the clamps 6 and 7 may also have teeth 16.

[0119] exist Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the clamp 7, teeth 16 are provided along the outer edge of the concave surface 7a at the end of the first side. In the closed state, teeth 16 protrude toward the clamp 6 and engage with the concave surface 6a. With such teeth 16, tissue can be prevented from falling out of the clamps 6 and 7, and the sharp teeth 16 can be used to easily cut away the tissue. Figure 11A as well as Figure 11B The shape of tooth 16 shown is an example; tooth 16 can also have other arbitrary shapes.

[0120] In the above embodiment, forceps 1 is a biopsy forceps with cups clamping 6 and 7, but it can also be replaced by other types of forceps such as holding forceps or hemostatic forceps. The clamps 6 and 7 are appropriately designed according to the type of forceps. In addition, the shaft 2 and wire 3 can also be rigid, depending on the purpose of forceps 1.

[0121] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to pliers, but can also be applied to any kind of handling tool having a pair of clamps that open and close together, such as scissors.

[0122] In the above embodiments, the forceps 1 is used in combination with the sheath 20, but the sheath 20 is not necessary. For example, an endoscope can be used instead of the sheath 20, and the forceps 1 can be inserted into the body cavity through the endoscope's instrument channel. Alternatively, the forceps 1 can be inserted into the body cavity as a single unit.

Claims

1. A type of pliers, wherein, The pliers have: A long, narrow axis; A long wire, which is disposed within the shaft and is capable of moving along the length of the shaft; A first arm, disposed on the distal side of the shaft, has a first clamp and is pivotally connected to the distal end of the shaft via a first connector; and The second arm, positioned on the distal side of the shaft, has a second clamp and is oscillatingly connected to the distal end of the wire via a second connector. The first arm and the second arm are connected to each other by a third connector that allows them to swing relative to each other. The third connector is disposed between the first clamp and the first connector, and between the second clamp and the second connector. As the wire moves, the second connector moves relative to the first connector along the length direction, thereby opening and closing the first clamp and the second clamp. The third connector is positioned next to the wire when the first clamp and the second clamp are open. As the third connector moves laterally outward relative to the axis, the first clamp and the second clamp close. With the first and second clamps open, the first and second connectors are arranged along the length direction, and the third connector is positioned laterally away from the side of the wire facing the first and second clamps. As the wire moves, the second connector moves linearly along the length direction.

2. The pliers according to claim 1, wherein, When the first clamp and the second clamp are closed, the position of the second connector is consistent with the position of the first connector in the length direction.

3. The pliers according to claim 1, wherein, The portion of the wire disposed between the first connector and the second connector is rigid.

4. The pliers according to claim 1, wherein, The second arm has a groove having a first end and a second end, the groove supporting the second connector so as to be able to slide between the first end and the second end. With the first and second clamps open, the first terminal is offset laterally relative to the third connector and positioned closer to the bit side than the second terminal. With the first clamp and the second clamp closed and the first arm and the second arm arranged along the length direction, the second terminal is offset laterally relative to the third connector and is positioned closer to the position side than the first terminal.

5. The pliers according to claim 1, wherein, The pliers have a locking mechanism that locks the first and second arms when the first and second clamps are closed. The locking mechanism has: a locking portion disposed on one of the first arm and the second arm; and a locking portion disposed on the other of the first arm and the second arm. When the first clamp and the second clamp are closed, the engaging part engages with the engaged part.

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