Medical Devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a medical device, comprising two instrument branches pivotally connected to each other, each of the instrument branches having a proximal handle portion and a distal jaw portion, the distal jaw portion forming an instrument mouth, which can be moved between a closed state and an open state by pivotal movement of the instrument branches, in which the jaw portions move inward toward each other in the closed state, and in the open state, the jaw portions move outward away from each other, wherein at least one of the instrument branches comprises a branch member and a jaw member, the branch member is elongated along a proximal / distal axis and has one of the proximal handle portions and a distal connecting portion, the jaw member forms one of the jaw portions and has a proximal complementary connecting portion, and wherein the connecting portion and the complementary connecting portion form a releasable connection to replaceably attach the jaw member to the branch member. According to the present invention, the coupling portion is a wedge-shaped protrusion and the complementary coupling portion is a complementary wedge-shaped recess, or vice versa, wherein the wedge-shaped protrusion comprises two wedge-shaped surfaces opposite to each other along an inner / outer axis, wherein the opposite wedge-shaped surfaces are inclined toward each other in the proximal direction at a first inclination angle, and wherein the opposite wedge-shaped surfaces are inclined inwardly toward each other at a second inclination angle.

Description

[0001] Technical Field and Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to a medical device, comprising two instrument branches pivotally connected to each other, each of the instrument branches having a proximal handling portion and a distal jaw portion, the distal jaw portion forming an instrument mouth, which can be moved between a closed state and an open state by pivotal movement of the instrument branches, in which the jaw portions move inward toward each other in the closed state, and in the open state, the jaw portions move outward away from each other, wherein at least one of the instrument branches includes a branch member and a jaw member, the branch member is elongated along a proximal / distal axis and has one of the proximal handling portions and a distal connecting portion, the jaw member forming one of the jaw portions and having a proximal complementary connecting portion, and wherein the connecting portion and the complementary connecting portion form a releasable connection to replaceably attach the jaw member to the branch member.

[0003] CN 207898524 U discloses a medical device in the form of detachable and interchangeable surgical scissors. The surgical scissors include two instrument branches pivotally connected to each other. Each of the instrument branches includes an elongated branch member and a jaw member, wherein the jaw member is in the form of a blade. The blade is interchangeably attached to the corresponding branch member through a dovetail joint, which is fastened with a separate screw member. Therefore, replacing the blade requires medical personnel to loosen and tighten the screw member with the help of an additional mechanical tool (such as a screwdriver, etc.). Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a medical instrument of the type stated at the outset which has a simplified structure and permits particularly secure attachment and simple and rapid replacement of the jaw members.

[0005] This object is solved by providing a medical device according to the invention.

[0006] According to the present invention, the coupling portion is a wedge-shaped protrusion and the complementary coupling portion is a complementary wedge-shaped recess, or vice versa, wherein the wedge-shaped protrusion comprises two wedge-shaped surfaces opposite to each other along an inner / outer axis, wherein the opposite wedge-shaped surfaces are inclined toward each other in the proximal direction at a first inclination angle, and wherein the opposite wedge-shaped surfaces are inclined inwardly toward each other at a second inclination angle.

[0007] The present invention does not require separate fastening devices (such as screws, pins, fasteners, etc.) to securely attach the jaw member to the branch member. This results in a simplified structure of the medical device. The simplified structure allows reducing the manufacturing workload and the related costs. Compared with the prior art, the design of the connecting part and the complementary connecting part according to the present invention allows the jaw member to be attached and removed without the use of tools and with only a small amount of manual work. This saves time and labor, thus allowing a simple and particularly fast replacement of the jaw member if necessary.

[0008] The wedge-shaped recess is configured to snugly receive the wedge-shaped protrusion. The wedge-shaped protrusion is configured to snugly fit into the wedge-shaped recess. It goes without saying that, since the wedge-shaped recess is complementary to the wedge-shaped protrusion, it includes two wedge-shaped (recess) surfaces that are complementary to the two wedge-shaped surfaces of the wedge-shaped protrusion. Therefore, the two wedge-shaped (recess) surfaces are opposite to each other along the medial / lateral axis, are inclined toward each other in the proximal direction at a first inclination angle, and are inclined inwardly toward each other at a second inclination angle.

[0009] The wedge-shaped surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion interacts with the wedge-shaped (recess) surface of the wedge-shaped recess through positive engagement (positive engagement) (form fit) and friction engagement (friction fit). In other words, the jaw member is replaceably attached to the branch member through positive engagement and friction engagement between the wedge-shaped protrusion and the complementary wedge-shaped recess.

[0010] The inclination of the wedge-shaped surface in the proximal direction results in a form fit in the distal direction and a friction fit in the proximal direction. The form fit in the distal direction prevents the jaw member from being pulled away from the branch member in the distal direction. The friction connection in the proximal direction counteracts the relative movement of the jaw members in the proximal direction.

[0011] The (additional) inclination of the wedge-shaped surface in the inward direction (i.e., in the closing direction of the instrument port) results in a form fit in the outward direction (i.e., in the opening direction of the instrument port) and a friction fit in the inward direction. The form fit in the outward direction prevents the jaw members from moving relative to the branch members in the outward direction. The friction fit in the inward direction counteracts the relative movement of the jaw members in the inward direction, especially when the instrument port is opened.

[0012] In one embodiment, a wedge-shaped protrusion is formed on the branch member, and a wedge-shaped recess is formed on the jaw member. In another embodiment, a wedge-shaped protrusion is formed on the jaw member, and a wedge-shaped recess is formed on the branch member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first angle of inclination is between 10° and 30°, preferably between 15° and 25°, and more preferably between 17.5° and 22.5°. The inventors have recognized that the above range of values ​​is particularly advantageous. Selecting a relatively large first angle of inclination allows for a reliable positive engagement (form fit) of the jaw members in the distal direction. Selecting a relatively small first angle of inclination results in a relatively high friction force between the wedge surface and the wedge recess surface in the proximal direction. The inventors have found that selecting a first angle of inclination between 17.5° and 22.5° results in the best case with respect to both positive engagement and frictional engagement.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second angle of inclination is between 10° and 30°, preferably between 15° and 25°, and more preferably between 17.5° and 22.5°. Selecting a relatively small second angle of inclination results in a relatively high friction force in the inward direction. The higher the friction force in the inward direction, the more reliably the jaw member is held at the distal end of the branch member in the open state of the instrument port. However, too small a second angle of inclination may result in excessive friction, which may make the jaw member difficult to disassemble from the branch member. The inventors have recognized that selecting a second angle of inclination between 17.5° and 22.5° allows for both a secure frictional engagement in the inward direction and a relatively easy disassembly.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a kit which allows reducing the manufacturing and purchasing costs of medical devices.

[0016] This object is solved by providing a kit according to the invention.

[0017] The kit comprises a medical device according to the invention. The medical device may in particular be a manual device (e.g. Figure 1), endoscopic instruments and / or robotic arm instruments. The kit also includes a plurality of different jaw members, the different jaw members including the same complementary coupling portion, the complementary coupling portion being configured to be releasably connected to the coupling portion of at least one branch member. The kit according to the present invention allows for an optimized manufacturing process. It also allows for the management and selection of different jaw members independently of the remaining components and parts of the medical device at a medical environment (e.g., in an operating room). Therefore, medical personnel are able to select and attach the jaw member that best suits a specific medical and / or surgical task from a plurality of different jaw members. In other words, the kit can be used as a replaceable interface for different handles. Different jaw members are identical with respect to the complementary coupling portion. In one embodiment, the coupling portion is formed as a wedge-shaped recess. In another embodiment, the complementary coupling portion is formed as a wedge-shaped protrusion. The wedge-shaped recesses (or wedge-shaped protrusions) of different jaw members are identical in terms of dimensional features such as size, form, shape. In an embodiment, different jaw members differ in terms of size, shape, form, function, etc. In one embodiment, different jaw members are supplied in a pre-sterilized form and are configured for single use. In one embodiment, the different jaw members are configured for multiple use. In one embodiment, the different jaw members are made of a metal material. In one embodiment, the different jaw members are made of a plastic material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals. The accompanying drawings schematically show:

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an embodiment of a medical device according to the invention having two device branches;

[0020] Figure 2 showing in enlarged detail a distal portion of one of the instrument branches having a branch member and a jaw member, the jaw member being shown in longitudinal section;

[0021] Figure 3 A perspective diagram showing Figure 2 The distal region of

[0022] Figure 4 showing an enlarged perspective view of a distal portion of a branch member having a coupling portion formed as a wedge-shaped protrusion and configured for releasable connection with a complementary wedge-shaped recess of a jaw member;

[0023] Figure 5 , 6 , 7 to simplify the top view ( Figure 5 )、Front View( Figure 6 ) and bottom view ( Figure 7) shows a wedge-shaped protrusion;

[0024] Figure 8 , 9 To simplify the top view ( Figure 8 ) and rear view ( Fig. 9 ) shows a wedge-shaped recess of a jaw member;

[0025] Fig.10 Similar to Figure 3 The view shows that according to Figure 1 The distal region of the remaining device branches of the medical device, and

[0026] Fig.11 A perspective view showing an embodiment of a kit according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] according to Figure 1 , the medical device 1 includes two instrument branches 2, 3, namely a first instrument branch 2 and a second instrument branch 3. The two instrument branches 2, 3 are pivotally connected to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the two instrument branches 2, 3 can pivot relative to each other around a hinge axis H. Each of the two instrument branches 2, 3 has a proximal handle portion 4, 5 and a distal jaw portion 6, 7. The handle portions 4, 5 can also be represented as a first handle portion 4 and a second handle portion 5. The jaw portions 6, 7 can also be represented as a first jaw portion 6 and a second jaw portion 7. The distal jaw portions 6, 7 form an instrument port M, which can be in an open state (see Figure 1 ) and a closed state (not shown in the figures). The instrument mouth M can be moved by a relative pivoting movement of the instrument branches 2, 3 about the hinge axis H. In order to close the instrument mouth M, the jaw parts 6, 7 are moved inwardly toward each other. In order to open the instrument mouth M, the jaw parts 6, 7 are moved outwardly away from each other.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the medical device 1 is a surgical needle holder. In other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the medical device is a pair of pliers, clamps, scissors, etc. In other words, the medical device 1 is pliers-like or scissors-like and allows clamping, holding and / or cutting of medical grade materials or body tissues between the jaw portions 6, 7.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the medical instrument 1 is configured for manual manipulation in open surgery. In other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the medical instrument is an endoscopic instrument and / or a robotic arm instrument configured for robotic surgery.

[0030] In the prior art, medical instruments such as needle holders, forceps, clamps or scissors are usually characterized by a two-part design in which each of the instrument branches is formed as a single part, with the corresponding handle part and jaw part being integrally formed at the proximal end and distal end of the instrument branch, respectively.

[0031] In order to facilitate the manufacturing process and reduce costs, the medical instrument 1 instead has a modular design, wherein at least one of the two instrument branches 2, 3 has a branch member and a separate jaw member, which is replaceably attached to the branch member.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the first instrument branch 2 comprises a branch member 8 and a jaw member 9 (see Figure 2 , 3 ). The branch member 8 comprises a distal coupling portion 10. The jaw member 9 comprises a proximal complementary coupling portion 11. The coupling portion 10 and the complementary coupling portion 11 form a releasable connection C for replaceably attaching the jaw member 9 to the branch member 8. Thus, by establishing a connection C between the coupling portion 10 and the complementary coupling portion 11, the jaw member 9 can be attached to the branch member 8. Releasing the connection C allows the jaw member 9 to be detached from the branch member 8.

[0033] In the prior art, it is known that the jaw members are replaceably attached to the branch members by dovetail joints, wherein the dovetail joints are fastened by additional screw members. The resulting configuration is quite complex and requires manual loosening and tightening of individual screw members with the aid of tools to replace the jaw members.

[0034] In order to obtain a simplified structure of the medical instrument and to allow a particularly secure attachment and a simple and rapid replacement of the jaw member 9, the coupling portion 10 is a wedge-shaped protrusion 12 and the complementary coupling portion 11 is a complementary wedge-shaped recess 13, wherein the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 comprises two wedge-shaped surfaces 14, 15 opposite to each other along the medial / lateral axis ML (see Figure 3 , 4 ), wherein the opposing wedge surfaces 14, 15 are inclined toward each other in the proximal direction at a first inclination angle α, and wherein the opposing wedge surfaces 14, 15 are inclined inwardly toward each other at a second inclination angle β.

[0035] The wedge-shaped recess 13 is complementary to the wedge-shaped projection 12 in terms of its shape, form and size and will be described in more detail further below.

[0036] The branch member 8 is elongated between the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 and the first proximal handle portion 4. The wedge-shaped protrusion 12 is an integral part of the branch member 8.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the proximal handle portion 4 is formed integrally with the branching member 8. In embodiments not shown in the figures, the handle portion is formed as a separate unit and is detachably attached to the branching member.

[0038] The proximal handle portion 4 forms the proximal end of the branch member 8 and the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 forms the distal end of the branch member 8. The branch member 8 is elongated along a proximal / distal axis PD.

[0039] The two wedge surfaces 14 , 15 are opposite to each other along the medial / lateral axis ML and may also be indicated as medial wedge surface 14 and lateral wedge surface 15 .

[0040] The medial / lateral axis ML and the proximal / distal axis PD are oriented perpendicular to each other. Said axes PD, ML together with the superior / inferior axis SI define a Cartesian reference axis system. Figure 5 , 6 The orientation of the axes PD, ML, SI is further clarified. The proximal / distal axis PD extends between the proximal side (end) P and the distal side (end) D. The medial / lateral axis ML extends between the medial side M and the lateral side L. The superior / inferior axis SI extends between the superior (upper) side S and the inferior (lower) side I.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the wedge-shaped protrusions 12 are symmetrical with respect to a vertically oriented central longitudinal plane of the branch member 8. Said plane extends along the proximal / distal axis PD and along the superior / inferior axis SI. The same applies to the complementary wedge-shaped recesses 13 of the jaw member 9.

[0042] Due to the first inclination angle α, the opposing wedge-shaped surfaces 14 , 15 converge towards each other in the proximal direction and diverge from each other in the distal direction.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, the first inclination angle α measures 20°. In other embodiments not depicted in the figures, the first inclination angle α measures between 10° and 30°.

[0044] The second inclination angle β causes the opposing wedge surfaces 14, 15 to converge in the inward direction and diverge in the outward direction. In other words, the opposing wedge surfaces 14, 15 converge with respect to the closing direction of the instrument port M and diverge in the opening direction of the instrument port M. In yet other words, the opposing wedge surfaces 14, 15 converge toward each other in the downward direction and diverge from each other in the upward direction.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the second inclination angle β measures 20°. In other embodiments not shown in the figures, the second inclination angle β measures between 10° and 30°.

[0046] In the following we will refer to Figures 4 to 7 Further details of the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 are described.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 also includes an upper (upper) surface 16 and an opposite lower (lower) surface 17. The upper surface 16 and the lower surface 17 are opposite to each other along the upper / lower axis SI. The wedge-shaped protrusion 12 also has a proximal end surface 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 16 and the lower surface 17 are parallel to each other and are parallel to a horizontal longitudinal center plane extending along the proximal / distal axis PD and the medial / lateral axis ML. However, such an orientation of the upper surface 16 and the lower surface 17 is not mandatory. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end surface 18 is perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal center plane and is inclined relative to a vertical transverse center plane extending along the medial / lateral axis ML and the upper / lower axis SI. However, such an inclination of the proximal end surface 18 is not mandatory.

[0048] The complementary wedge-shaped recess 13 is configured to snugly receive the wedge-shaped protrusion 12. Since the wedge-shaped recess 13 is complementary to the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 in size, shape and form, it includes opposing wedge-shaped surfaces (wedge-shaped recess surfaces) configured for positive and frictional engagement with the wedge-shaped surfaces 14, 15 of the wedge-shaped protrusion 12.

[0049] refer to Figure 8 and 9 , the wedge-shaped recess 13 includes opposing wedge-shaped recess surfaces 14', 15', which may also be indicated as an inner wedge-shaped recess surface 14' and an inner wedge-shaped recess surface 15'. The surfaces 14', 15' are opposite to each other along the inner / outer axis ML and are inclined toward each other in the proximal direction at a first inclination angle α. In addition, the opposing surfaces 14', 15' are inclined inwardly toward each other at a second inclination angle β. The disclosed contents regarding the inclination of the opposing wedge-shaped surfaces 14, 15 of the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 are similarly applicable to the inclination of the opposing wedge-shaped recess surfaces 14', 15'.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, the wedge-shaped recess 13 further comprises a lower (bottom) surface 17'. However, such a bottom surface is not mandatory.

[0051] The wedge-shaped recess 13 opens in the upward direction.

[0052] from Figure 3Starting from the configuration shown in , the jaw member 9 can be securely attached to the branch member 8 by engaging the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 with the wedge-shaped recess 13. To this end, the jaw member 9 is moved outwardly relative to the branch member 8, i.e., from the inside to the outside relative to the movement direction of the instrument port 54. Once the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 is snugly received in the wedge-shaped recess 13, the opposing wedge surfaces 14, 15 are form-fitted and frictionally engaged with the complementary wedge surfaces 14', 15' of the wedge-shaped recess 13. When attached to the branch member 8, the jaw member 9 is form-fittingly attached in the distal direction and in the upward direction (outward) and is securely held in the downward direction (inward) due to the frictional engagement between the corresponding wedge surfaces 14, 14' and 15, 15'.

[0053] Closing the instrument mouth M and pressing the jaw parts 5, 6 onto each other pushes the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 further into the wedge-shaped recess 13 and causes an enhanced friction fit. The resulting friction force counteracts the accidental removal of the jaw member 9. For example, in the open state of the instrument mouth M, the friction force prevents the jaw member 9 from falling off the branch member 8.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the second instrument branch 3 has a similar modular structure, wherein the second branch member 8' comprises a wedge-shaped protrusion 12' and the second jaw member 9' comprises a wedge-shaped recess 13'. This allows for a further simplified structure and improved versatility of the medical device 1. With regard to further structural and functional features of the wedge-shaped protrusion 12' and the wedge-shaped recess 13', reference is made to the above disclosure. The disclosure with regard to the wedge-shaped protrusion 12 and the wedge-shaped recess 13' applies to the (further) wedge-shaped protrusion 12' and the (further) wedge-shaped recess 13' of the second instrument branch 3, respectively.

[0055] according to Fig.11 , the kit K comprises a medical device 1 and a plurality of different jaw members 9a, 9b, 9c, 9'a, 9'b, 9'c. The different jaw members comprise identical complementary coupling portions in the form of wedge-shaped recesses 13. However, in Fig.11 The wedge-shaped recess 13 is not depicted in more detail. The different jaw members differ in size, shape, form and / or function. In this document, the different jaw members 9a, 9b, 9c can also be represented as a first alternative upper jaw member 9a, a second alternative upper jaw member 9b and a third alternative upper jaw member 9c. Each of the alternative upper jaw members is detachably attached to the (first) branch member 8, replacing the (first) jaw member 9. The different jaw members 9'a, 9'b, 9'c can also be represented as a first alternative lower jaw member 9'a, a second alternative lower jaw member 9'b and a third alternative lower jaw member 9'c. The alternative lower jaw member is detachably attached to the second branch member 8', replacing the second jaw member 9'.

Claims

1. A medical device (1), comprising Two instrument branches (2, 3) pivotally coupled to each other, each of the instrument branches (2, 3) having a proximal handle portion (4, 5) and a distal jaw portion (6, 7), the distal jaw portion (6, 7) forming an instrument mouth (M), which can be moved between a closed state and an open state by pivoting movement of the instrument branches (2, 3), in which the jaw portions (6, 7) move inwardly toward each other and in which the jaw portions (6, 7) move outwardly away from each other, in, At least one of the instrument branches (2, 3) comprises a branch member (8) which is elongated along a proximal / distal axis (PD) and has one of the proximal handle portions (4, 5) and a distal coupling portion (10), and a jaw member (9) which forms one of the jaw portions (6, 7) and has a proximal complementary coupling portion (11), wherein the coupling portion (10) and the complementary coupling portion (11) form a releasable connection (C) for replaceably attaching the jaw member (9) to the branch member (8), wherein the coupling portion (10) is a wedge-shaped protrusion (12) and the complementary coupling portion (11) is a complementary wedge-shaped recess (13), or vice versa, wherein the wedge-shaped protrusion (12) comprises two wedge-shaped surfaces (14, 15) facing each other along a medial / lateral axis (ML), and wherein the opposing wedge surfaces (14, 15) are inclined towards each other in the proximal direction at a first inclination angle (α), Characterized in that the opposing wedge surfaces (14, 15) are inclined inwardly toward each other at a second inclination angle (β).

2. The medical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first tilt angle (α) measures between 10° and 30°.

3. The medical device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first tilt angle (α) measures between 15° and 25°.

4. The medical device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first tilt angle (α) measures between 17.5° and 22.5°.

5. The medical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second tilt angle (β) measures between 10° and 30°.

6. The medical device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The second tilt angle (β) measures between 15° and 25°.

7. The medical device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The second tilt angle (β) measures between 17.5° and 22.5°.

8. A kit (K) comprising a medical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and comprising a plurality of different jaw members (9a, 9b, 9c, 9'a, 9'b, 9'c), wherein the different jaw members (9a, 9b, 9c, 9'a, 9'b, 9'c) comprise the same complementary connecting parts, which are configured to be releasably connected to the connecting part of at least one branch member (8).

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