Ophthalmic surgical forceps device

Abstract

Ophthalmic surgical forceps device (1) for treating eyes with a gripping tool (2), wherein this gripping tool (2) has at least a first gripping arm (22) and a second gripping arm (24), wherein the gripping arms (22, 24) are movable relative to each other, with a traction element (26) arranged at least indirectly on a section of this gripping tool (2), with a first tubular body (4), wherein this gripping tool (2) is movable in a longitudinal direction (L) of the tubular body (4) with respect to a distal end section of this tubular body (4), wherein a closing movement of the gripping tool (2) can be triggered by this relative movement of the gripping tool (2) with respect to the first tubular body (4), and with a second tubular body (6) extending parallel to the first tubular body (4), wherein one of the two tubular bodies (4, 6) serves to guide the traction element (26).

Description

The present invention relates to a forceps device, and in particular to an ophthalmic surgical forceps device for treating eyes, and especially human eyes. In the field of ophthalmic surgery, procedures are known in which the epiretinal membrane (membrana limitans interna) between the retina and the vitreous body is partially removed. This operation is performed to treat various forms of eye diseases. However, this operation is also very risky and must be performed with the utmost precision. In the prior art, it is known, for example, to use forceps for this purpose. This is described, for example, in DE 699 10 394 T2. Other generic devices are described, for example, in EP 3 181 080 A1; BALICKI, Marcin, [et al.]: Micro-Force Sensing in Robot Assisted Membrane Peeling for Vitreoretinal Surgery. In: Med Image Comput Comput Assist Interv, Vol. 13, 2010, No. Pt. 3, p.303 - 310 ; US 2017 / 0 165 114 A1 ; US 2010 / 0 191 176 A1 and US 2014 / 0 172 010 A1 known. The present invention is based on the objective of providing a forceps device that allows for operations with higher precision. This objective is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. An ophthalmic surgical forceps device according to the invention for treating eyes and, in particular, for removing membranes, comprises a gripping tool, wherein this gripping tool has at least a first gripping arm and at least a second gripping arm, the gripping arms being movable relative to each other. Furthermore, the device comprises a traction element, preferably wire-like, arranged at least indirectly on at least one section of this gripping tool, as well as a first tubular body. This gripping tool is movable in a longitudinal direction of the tubular body with respect to a distal end section of this tubular body, whereby a closing movement of the gripping tool can be triggered and / or effected by this relative movement of the gripping tool with respect to the first tubular body. Furthermore, in a first embodiment according to the invention, the device has a second tubular body which extends parallel to the first tubular body, wherein at least one of the two tubular bodies serves to guide the traction element. In a further embodiment also according to the invention, the device has no second tubular body or only one tubular body. In this embodiment, the preferably wire-like traction element is guided within the tubular body and is also preferably rotatable relative to this tubular body with respect to its longitudinal direction. Preferably, in this embodiment, the traction element has projections, knobs, and / or a thread on its outer circumference. These knobs, projections, or the thread can interact with an internal thread of the tubular body. In this way, pulling on the traction element simultaneously causes it to rotate. This embodiment is described in more detail below. The applicant reserves the right to claim protection for such an embodiment. In the context of the present invention, a wire-like traction element is understood to be an elongated traction element with a preferably small cross-section, in particular a cross-section that is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm. The wire-like tensile element can preferably be flexible, but in particular exhibits no or only slight extensibility along its direction of extension. The wire-like traction element can be made from different materials, such as a metallic material, a plastic or a textile material. Furthermore, the wire-like traction element can also be designed as a so-called hollow wire, i.e., as a wire-like traction element that forms a channel inside through which, for example, a vacuum can be applied. Preferably, however, the wire-like traction element is designed as a solid wire, i.e., without the channel described here. Furthermore, it is also possible that one of the two tubular bodies simultaneously functions as the wire-like traction element. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures. It should be noted that "extending parallel" means that the longitudinal directions of these two tubular bodies are essentially parallel to each other. The tubular bodies can lie side by side, but can also be arranged inside one another, as mentioned below. Preferably, exactly one of the two tubular bodies serves to guide the traction element, particularly if the traction element is at least partially, and preferably completely, surrounded by this tubular body in its circumferential direction. An at least indirect arrangement of the traction element on the gripping tool means that it can be arranged directly on a section of the gripping tool, or on another element to which the gripping tool is, in turn, arranged. However, it would also be conceivable that the two tubular bodies serve to guide the traction element, for example, if the traction element is guided between the first and second tubular bodies. Preferably, the traction element also extends longitudinally along at least one of the two tubular bodies. Preferably, the device has exactly one such traction element. However, two traction elements could also be provided. The aforementioned traction element makes it possible for the gripping tool to be retracted and closed. Preferably, the tweezer device includes a release mechanism for actuating the traction element and thus the gripping tool. This release mechanism is particularly preferably arranged at one end of at least one tubular body, which is located opposite or on the other side of the end at which the gripping tool is arranged. The end in which the gripping tool is arranged is hereinafter referred to as the distal end. The opposite end is hereinafter referred to as the proximal end. In another advantageous embodiment, the gripping tool has at least one curved section. Advantageously, at least one tubular body has a length greater than 2 cm, preferably greater than 3 cm and preferably greater than 4 cm. Preferably, at least one tubular body has a length that is less than 10 cm, more preferably less than 8 cm, more preferably less than 7 cm and most preferably less than 6 cm. Preferably, at least one tubular body has a cross-section larger than 0.5 mm, more preferably larger than 1.0 mm, and particularly preferably larger than 1.5 mm. Preferably, at least one tubular body has a cross-section smaller than 5.0 mm, more preferably smaller than 4.0 mm, more preferably smaller than 3.0 mm, more preferably smaller than 2.5 mm, and particularly preferably smaller than 2.0 mm. In a further advantageous embodiment, the device includes a force measuring device that determines the force required for a closing or opening movement of the gripping tool. For example, strain gauges or optical sensors can be provided that output at least one value characteristic of such a force. In another advantageous embodiment, it is also possible for the device to have an alarm or signal output device, which can, for example, guide a user in the positioning of the tweezers device. In another advantageous embodiment, the tweezers device is a disposable device, that is, a device that is disposed of after a single use. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the tubular bodies could be made of a plastic or a metal, for example stainless steel and / or titanium. Preferably, the other tubular body is also made of a plastic or a metal, for example stainless steel and / or titanium. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one tubular body, and preferably both tubular bodies, are made of a flexible material. It is possible that at least one of the tubular bodies, and preferably both, are made of a (particularly flexible) plastic. Preferably, at least one tubular body is made of a sterilizable material, in particular a material which is not attacked by a sterilizing agent. Preferably, the design of the device ensures that the traction element does not twist. In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a locking means to hold the gripping tool (or tweezers) in a certain state, for example in a closed state. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the two tubular bodies is designed as a vacuum line for generating a vacuum. Particularly preferably, the forceps device also includes a connection for connecting a vacuum source. In this way, a (partial) vacuum can be generated via a vacuum source and used at the distal end of the forceps device for suctioning and / or drawing in a membrane present in an eye. The membrane is, in particular, the inner limiting membrane or epiretinal membrane of a human eye. Preferably, a vacuum greater than 10 mbar can be applied over at least one tubular body. Preferably, a vacuum less than 700 mbar can be applied over at least one tubular body. Preferably, at least one of the tubular bodies forms a substantially closed (vacuum) line extending from said connection to one end of this tubular body. In a further advantageous embodiment, the first tubular body is arranged inside the second tubular body. The traction element, which is preferably wire-like, can be guided inside the first tubular body, and the second tubular body can preferably be used for suction or to generate the vacuum. However, it would also be conceivable for the traction element to be guided between the first and second tubular bodies. It would also be possible for the two tubular bodies to run side by side. In a further advantageous embodiment, the first tubular body serves to supply the traction element and / or the second tubular body serves as a vacuum line to generate the vacuum. In a further advantageous embodiment, the tweezer device has a pushing element that forces the two gripping arms apart. This ensures that the gripping tool is held in an open position by the pushing element and is only closed by actuating the pulling element. It would be possible for the two gripping arms to be arranged next to each other, with the material of the gripping arms causing them to be forced apart. A memory metal, for example, could be used as the material. However, it would also be conceivable (alternatively or additionally) to arrange a spring mechanism between the gripping arms that forces them apart. In a further advantageous embodiment, the first tubular body is movable relative to the second tubular body. Preferably, the first tubular body is movable in the longitudinal direction of the tubular body(s) relative to the other tubular body and, in particular, is displaceable and / or relocatable. Additionally or alternatively, the first tubular body can also be rotatable relative to the second tubular body. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first tubular body is movable relative to the second tubular body in the longitudinal direction of the tubular bodies, wherein the two tubular bodies are arranged next to each other. In a further advantageous embodiment, the first tubular body is coupled to the second tubular body, particularly in a form-fitting manner. Preferably, one of the two tubular bodies, and especially the first tubular body, is guided in a recess. This makes it possible to adjust the distal end of the first tubular body to a different distance from the distal ends of the gripping arms. This is particularly advantageous because it allows for varying degrees of aspiration at the distal ends of the grasping arms, even with constant suction pressure, which can be applied, for example, at a connection point. This enables the operator of the forceps device to handle an element grasped by the grasping arms, such as an epiretinal membrane, even more reliably. Furthermore, it is possible that spacers are arranged between the two tubular bodies, enabling a specific positioning of the two tubular bodies relative to each other. For example, support struts could be provided between the two tubular bodies. In a further advantageous embodiment, the gripping tool is rotatable relative to at least one of the two tubular bodies with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tubular body. Thus, it is possible for the gripping tool to be rotatable within or relative to the tubular body, but it is also possible for one of the two tubular bodies to be rotatable relative to the other tubular body, and for the gripping tool to be non-rotatably connected to the first-mentioned tubular body. Furthermore, it would also be possible to provide a threaded connection between the tubular bodies, such that a translation of one tubular body relative to the other tubular body in the longitudinal direction of the tubular bodies simultaneously causes a rotation. For example, a steep thread could be arranged between the tubular bodies. This threaded connection is preferably a component of a screw drive. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one tubular body comprises a light-conducting material. For example, one of the tubular bodies can be made of a glass fiber-like material, so that the area of ​​the eye to be treated can also be illuminated by means of a lighting device or light source arranged at the proximal end of the tubular body. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a light source—particularly at an end section of the device—such as an LED, especially a white LED, whose light can be guided from the proximal end of the tubular body through the light guide to the distal end of the tubular body. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one gripping arm has a contact surface which at least temporarily contacts one of the two tubular bodies and is, in particular, movable relative to this tubular body, whereby a closing movement of the gripping tool can be achieved through this contact. In particular, this closing movement of the gripping tool is achievable in conjunction with a relative movement of the gripping tool with respect to the aforementioned tubular body. It is possible that this contact surface only contacts the respective tubular body when the pulling device is actuated, but it is also possible that this contact surface always touches the tubular body, but only closes when the pulling device is pulled further. Advantageously, the contact surface in question can only contact one of the tubular bodies. The present invention further relates to an ophthalmic surgical treatment device for treating eyes with a forceps device of the type described above. The device further comprises a movement unit that performs, guides, and / or directs the movement of this forceps device. For example, the treatment device could include a treatment robot that, in turn, controls the precise movements of the forceps device. In this way, more precise movements can be achieved. Alternatively, the treatment device could be a manipulator that guides the movement of a surgeon. In addition, the treatment device could also include the aforementioned sensors, for example, sensors that respond to touch and / or detect the position of the forceps device with high precision. In a further advantageous embodiment, the treatment device has at least one drive unit that controls the movement of the tweezer device. In addition, it is also possible to provide a displacement measuring device that, for example, detects the open or closed state of the gripping tool and / or the overall position of the tweezer device. Alternatively, a freehand movement could also be performed, for example supported by signals or alarm signals. It would also be possible to provide a signal output device that emits audible signals or signals relating to the distance traveled by the tweezers. In a preferred arrangement, the tweezer device is guided perpendicular to a detachment direction in order to minimize the forces involved. The detachment direction is, in particular, a direction that is essentially tangential to the membrane to be detached. In another preferred embodiment, the treatment device also includes a storage device for storing or recording generated forces and movements. In addition, (motion) histories can also be output by means of an information output device. Further advantages and embodiments will become apparent from the accompanying drawings. These show: Figs. 1a-1g a device according to the invention in a first embodiment; Figs. 2a-2h a device according to the invention in a second embodiment; Figs. 3a-3i a device according to the invention in a third embodiment; Figs. 4a-4e a device according to the invention in a fourth embodiment; Figs. 5a-5e a device according to the invention in a fifth embodiment; Figs. 6a-6f a device according to the invention in a sixth embodiment. Figures 1a to 1g show an ophthalmic surgical forceps device 1 according to the invention in a first embodiment. Figure 1a shows an overall view of the forceps according to the invention. A gripping tool 2 is visible, which is arranged here at the left end of the device and which has a first gripping arm 22 and a second gripping arm 24, which are movable relative to each other. In particular, these gripping arms can be moved towards and away from each other. Reference numeral 6 denotes a flexible tubular body within which a tensile element 26 is guided. This tensile element 26 is guided within a first tubular body 4, which in turn is guided within the tubular body 6 that forms a second tubular body 6 and is, in particular, held opposite the first tubular body 4. Reference numeral 12 designates a connection for applying vacuum pressure to the tweezers, and in particular to the left end shown here. Reference numeral 5 designates a projection or guide section that serves as an additional guide for the pulling element 26. Reference numeral 28 designates a retaining piece arranged on the pulling element 26, which can be used in particular to actuate or pull the pulling element 26. The pulling element 26 is attached to the gripping tool 2, so that by pulling, for example, on the retaining piece 28, the gripping tool 2 can be moved onto the first tubular body 4 and thus closed. Fig. 1b shows a detailed view of the gripping tool 2. This has two gripping arms 22, 24, each having a distal end 22a and 24a, which are suitable for gripping an area of ​​the eye or a membrane to be removed within the eye. Reference numerals 22b and 24b each designate a contact surface projecting from the respective gripping arms 22 and 24, which runs obliquely to a central axis of the tubular body 4. When the gripping tool 2 moves in the longitudinal direction L, the contact surfaces 22b and 24b make contact with an inner wall at the distal end of the tubular body 4. As the gripping tool 2 continues to move in the longitudinal direction L, the inner wall at the distal end of the tubular body 4 exerts a force component perpendicular to the central axis of the tubular body 4 on the contact surfaces 22b and 24b, so that the first gripping arm 22 and the second gripping arm 24 are moved towards each other. This allows the gripping tool 2 to close and grasp a body located between the ends 22a and 24a, such as the epiretinal membrane. The two gripping arms 22 and 24 are preferably coupled to each other at a joint 25 and are particularly preferably formed in one piece. It is advantageous if the gripping arms 22 and 24 are resiliently arranged relative to each other and the respective distal ends 22a and 24a of the two gripping arms 22 and 24 have a distance from each other in a non-preloaded position which is greater than zero. The force component directed perpendicular to the central axis of the tubular body 4 for closing the gripping tool 2 preferably lies in a range of 0 to 30 mN. Fig. 1c shows another sectional view of the tweezer device according to the invention. The gripping tool 2 is shown in a side view, in which the tubular body 6 and the traction element 26, which is arranged inside the tubular body 4 (not shown), which in turn runs inside the tubular body 6, are again visible. The connection 12 is also visible again. Reference numeral 5 again designates the guide section for guiding the traction element 26. Fig. 1d shows a detail from Fig. 1c of the distal end of the forceps device 1. The traction element 26 is visible here, which is guided within the first tubular body 4, this first tubular body 4 in turn running within the second tubular body 6. Preferably, the first tubular body 4 is fixed relative to the second tubular body 6. Fig. 1e shows a proximal section of the tweezer device 1. The connection 12, located on the second tubular body 6, is visible. When a vacuum pressure is applied to the connection 12, a negative pressure can build up between the first tubular body 4 and the second tubular body 6. The reference numeral 28 again designates the retaining element of the traction element 26, for example, a fastening element, with which this traction element 26 can be arranged on an actuating device such as a lever. In this embodiment, the two tubular bodies 4 and 6 run parallel and coaxial to each other, with spacers (not shown) provided between the two tubular bodies 4 and 6 so that the first tubular body 4 can be placed at a constant distance to the second tubular body 6. Fig. 1f shows a sectional view of the proximal section of the tweezer device according to the invention. The tubular bodies 4 and 6 are again visible, as is the connection 12. Additionally, a guide section 5 is visible, within which the traction element 26 is guided. Fig. 1g shows a cross-sectional view of the tweezer device according to the invention, perpendicular to the central axis of the tubular body 4. A cavity V is visible between the first tubular body 4 and the second tubular body 6. When suction pressure is applied to the connection 12, the suction pressure can be directed through the cavity V to the distal end of the first tubular body 4 and the second tubular body 6, so that aspiration occurs in the area of ​​the gripping device 2 in the direction of arrows 10, cf. Fig. 1d. This is advantageous because it allows an element to be grasped with the gripping tool 2, such as an epiretinal membrane located on a retina, to be positioned in a stable position and thus grasped reliably and securely. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1a to 1g, a first tubular body 4 in the form of a cannula with a smaller diameter is shown inside the second tubular body 6 with a larger diameter. As mentioned, the inner tubular body with the smaller diameter serves as a guide rail for the pulling element or wire, which in turn is connected to the gripping body 2 or the tweezer tip. When the pulling element 26 is pulled, the contact surfaces 22b and 24b of the gripping tool 2 press against the distal end of the first tubular body 4. In this way, the gripping tool 2 closes. This operating principle is also used in the embodiments described below. Figures 2a to 2h show a further embodiment of the tweezer device 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, two tubular bodies 4 and 6 are provided, running parallel to each other but side by side. The traction element 26 is guided inside the tubular body 6. In this embodiment, the gripping tool 2 is arranged in the region of the distal end of the second tubular body 6 and again has two gripping arms 22 and 24. A vacuum connection 12 is provided at the proximal end of the first tubular body 4. Fig. 2b shows a detailed view of the gripping tool 2 and Fig. 2d shows a detailed view of the proximal area of ​​the tweezer device 1. Fig. 2c shows a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the two tubular bodies 4 and 6. The traction element 26 is guided either in a bore of the tubular body 6 (see Fig. 2c and Fig. 2e) or between the two tubular bodies 4 and 6. The first tubular body 4 is positively coupled to the second tubular body 6 and preferably guided in a recess 30. In this embodiment, the first tubular body 4 is displaceable in its longitudinal direction relative to the second tubular body 6. This makes it possible to adjust the distal end of the first tubular body 4 to a different distance from the distal ends 22a, 24a of the gripping arms 22 and 24. This is advantageous because, with a constant suction pressure applied to port 12, varying degrees of aspiration can be achieved in the region of the distal ends 22a, 24a of the grasping arms 22 and 24. This allows an operator of the forceps device 1 to handle an element to be grasped with the grasping arms 22 and 24, such as an epiretinal membrane, even more reliably. Fig. 2e shows a situation in which a closing plane 40 in the region of the distal end of the first tubular body 4 is arranged closer to the distal ends 22a, 24a of the gripping arms 22 and 24 of the gripping tool 2 than a closing plane 60 in the region of the distal end of the second tubular body 6. In this embodiment, it is thus possible to achieve even stronger aspiration at the distal ends 22a, 24a of the gripping tool 2 than in the first embodiment, in which the closing plane 40 in the region of the distal end of the first tubular body 4 and the closing plane 60 in the region of the distal end of the second tubular body 6 lie in a common plane E (see Fig. 1d). Fig. 2f shows a side view of the tweezer device according to the invention. As can be seen in Fig. 2g, which shows the distal end of the tweezer device 1 as a detail from Fig. 2f, the traction element 26 is guided inside the tubular body 6 and coupled to the gripping arm 2. Fig. 2h shows a detailed view of the proximal end of the forceps device 1 according to Fig. 2f. It can be seen that a cavity V is provided in the first tubular body 4, extending to the distal end of the tubular body 4 (see Fig. 2g), to allow aspiration when suction pressure is applied to the connection 12. Figs. 3a to 3i show a further embodiment of the forceps device according to the invention. This is similar to the forceps device shown in Figs. 2a to 2h. One difference from the embodiment shown in Figs. 2a to 2h is the design of the distal end of the first tubular body 4. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2h, the first tubular body 4 is displaceable relative to the second tubular body 6 along its longitudinal axis. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3a to 3k, the two tubular bodies 4 and 6 are not movable relative to each other. However, here a central axis of a termination region 41 of the tubular body 4 is inclined at an angle of greater than 0° up to 90° to the central axis of the tubular body 4, cf. Fig. 3h. This inclination is oriented towards the gripping tool 2. Thus, aspiration in the region of the distal ends 22a, 24a of the gripping tool 2, and therefore the gripping of an element with the gripping tool 2, can be controlled very precisely. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4a to 4e, the tubular body 4 is rotatable relative to the tubular body 6, in particular rotatable about a central axis of the respective tubular bodies 4 and 6. According to a further embodiment, the tubular body 6 can have an internal thread 16 into which a corresponding external thread of the tubular body 4 engages, so that the two tubular bodies 4 and 6 are coupled to each other by means of a screw drive. The external thread of the tubular body 4 can have interruptions, so that only knobs protrude from the circumference of the tubular body 4. This embodiment can be provided without a connection 12 for applying a vacuum. By pulling on the pulling element 26, the gripping tool 2 is fixed to the tubular body 4. In particular, when the pulling element 26 is pulled, a portion of the gripping tool 2 engages in a recess or gap 14 of the tubular body 4. If the end of the pulling element 26 or the end section 28 is moved further away from the proximal end of the tubular body 4 by applying a pulling force, the screw mechanism between the two tubular bodies 4 and 6 causes the gripping tool to rotate around the central axis of the tubular body 4, while the gripping tool 2 moves ever closer to the distal end of the tubular body 4. In this further training, no tubular body 4 is provided. Instead of the tubular body 4, the traction element 26 can be provided with knobs or an external thread on its circumference. By continuing to pull on the traction element 26, the respective contact surfaces 22b and 24b of the gripping arms 22 and 24 can come into contact with the inner wall of the tubular body 6, so that the gripping tool 2 can be closed. This design is advantageous because, without a first tubular body 4, the outer diameter of the second tubular body 6, and thus the outer diameter of the forceps device, can be reduced. This allows the forceps device to be operated with a smaller incision in the eye, which is beneficial for the patient. Furthermore, it would be conceivable to increase the outer diameter of the second tubular body 6 and the height of the studs on the traction element 26 or on the first tubular body 4. This creates a larger cavity between the core diameter of the traction element 26 or the tubular body 4 on the one hand and the core diameter of the second tubular body 6 on the other. This cavity can be used to create a vacuum between the traction element 26 or the first tubular body 4 on the one hand and the second tubular body 6 on the other. Unlike the embodiment shown here, a connection for a vacuum could also be provided in the embodiment shown in Figs. 4a to 4e, especially if the outer tubular body 6 is dimensioned larger. Figures 5a to 5e show a further embodiment of a tweezer device according to the invention. Here, too, rotation of the gripping tool 2 about the central axis of the tubular body 6 is possible. In particular, Figures 5c and 5d show that the inner tubular body 4 is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the outer tubular body 6 and is also connected via an internal thread 16. Furthermore, a sleeve element 18 with a projection 18a is arranged on the tubular body 4, this projection 18a engaging in the internal thread 16. In this embodiment, the inner tubular body 4 also performs the function of the wire-like pulling element. In other words, the inner tubular body is also designed as a hollow wire that serves to actuate the gripping tool. Fig. 5d shows a sectional view of this tweezer device, in which the first tubular body 4 and the second tubular body 6 are again recognizable. It can be pulled at the end section 28, which is directly coupled to the first tubular body 4 (which also functions as a wire-shaped pulling element 26). The sleeve element 18 is rotationally fixed to the first tubular body 4, so that a longitudinal displacement of the first tubular body 4 results in a rotation of the first tubular body 4 and the gripping tool 2. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 5a to 5e, the gripping tool 2 is rotatable relative to the tubular body 6. In this embodiment, a vacuum can be connected to the first tubular body 4, whereby this body 4 divides in a fork-like manner into two separate tubular bodies 27, each forming a gripping arm 22 and 24 (Figs. 5a and 5e). The embodiment shown in Figs. 5a to 5e allows a tweezer function, the application of a suction force by means of a vacuum in a cavity V and a rotation of the tweezers by means of a screw drive. In this design, a good gripping and holding of an object (especially a membrane) can be achieved through suction force via negative pressure and clamping force via the gripping tool. When a vacuum is applied to a forceps device according to the invention, a flow of fluid towards the grasping tool 2 can be generated by means of such a vacuum. In this way, a thin, flexible membrane, such as an epiretinal membrane, can be moved towards the grasping tool of the forceps device. This reduces the risk of retinal damage from direct contact of the grasping tool with the retina. Additionally, the forceps device can also include a light guide to illuminate the area of ​​the eye being examined, so that a surgeon can better visualize the membrane to be grasped. Figures 6a to 6f show a further embodiment of a device according to the invention. While in the preceding figures the gripping tool itself is formed in one piece, in the embodiment shown in Figures 6a to 6f it is formed in two or more parts. Here, the two gripping arms are guided separately between the two tubular bodies 4 and 6. The inner first tubular body 4 (see Fig. 6b) serves to conduct a vacuum, and the outer second tubular body 6 serves to guide (and support) the two gripping arms 22 and 24, in particular as a guide rail. Accordingly, this embodiment also includes two traction elements 26a and 26b with which the two gripping arms can be pulled (see Fig. 6f). The inner first tubular body 4 is preferably made of a light-conducting material. A light source (not shown) can be attached to the proximal end of the tubular body 4, as shown in Fig. 6c, so that light emitted by the light source can be directed to the distal end of the tubular body 4. The embodiment shown in Figs. 6a to 6f can also be implemented with three gripping arms (not shown). One advantage of this design is that the vacuum-conducting tubular body 4 lies between the gripping arms 22, 24 of the gripping tool 2, thus providing a well-illuminated field of vision and improving the operation of the gripping tool. The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. Reference symbol list 1 Ophthalmic surgical forceps device 2 Gripping tool 4 First tubular body 5 Guide section 6 Second tubular body 10 Flow direction arrow 12 Connection 14 Recess 16 Internal thread 18 Sleeve element 18a Projection of the sleeve element 22 First gripping arm 22a Distal end of the first gripping arm 22b Contact surface 24 Second gripping arm 24a End of the second gripping arm 24b Contact surface 25 Joint 26 Traction element 26a Traction element 26b Traction element 27 Further tubular body 28 End section 30 Recess 40 End plane of the first tubular body 4 41 End area of ​​the first tubular body 4 60 End plane of the second tubular body 6 62 Guide section 96a Traction element 96b Traction element L Direction V Cavity

Claims

Ophthalmic surgical forceps device (1) for treating eyes with a gripping tool (2), wherein this gripping tool (2) has at least a first gripping arm (22) and a second gripping arm (24), wherein the gripping arms (22, 24) are movable relative to each other, with a traction element (26) arranged at least indirectly on a section of this gripping tool (2), with a first tubular body (4), wherein this gripping tool (2) is movable in a longitudinal direction (L) of the tubular body (4) with respect to a distal end section of this tubular body (4), wherein a closing movement of the gripping tool (2) can be triggered by this relative movement of the gripping tool (2) with respect to the first tubular body (4), and with a second tubular body (6) extending parallel to the first tubular body (4), wherein one of the two tubular bodies (4, 6) serves to guide the traction element (26). Tweezers device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the two tubular bodies (4, 6) serves as a vacuum line for generating a vacuum and the tweezers device (1) has a connection means (12) for connecting a vacuum source. Tweezers device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first tubular body (4) is arranged inside the second tubular body (6). Tweezers device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first tubular body (4) serves to guide the traction element (26) and / or the second tubular body (6) serves as a vacuum line to generate the vacuum. Tweezers device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first tubular body (4) is movable with respect to the second tubular body (6). Tweezers device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one tubular body (4, 6) and preferably both tubular bodies (4, 6) consist of a flexible material. Tweezers device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping tool (2) is rotatable relative to at least one of the two tubular bodies (4, 6) with respect to the longitudinal direction (L) of the tubular body (4, 6). Tweezers device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one tubular body (4, 6) has a light-conducting material. Tweezers device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gripping arm (22, 24) has a contact surface (22b, 24b) with which at least temporarily one of the two tubular bodies (4, 6) can be contacted, whereby a closing movement of the gripping tool (2) can be achieved through this contact. Ophthalmic surgical treatment device for treating eyes with a forceps device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a movement device which performs and / or guides and / or directs a movement of this forceps device (1).

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