SURGICAL DEVICE FOR TISSUE CLAMPING

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a surgical device for clamping tissue, which can be used within a minimally invasive or open surgical procedure for self-holding tissue.

[0002] When it comes to surgical interventions for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, a distinction is made between open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. Both procedures require a variety of instruments and tools.

[0003] In conventional open surgery inside the human body, the surgeon must make an incision large enough to access the area of ​​interest and to allow a direct line of sight to the area. However, with the development of endoscopes, surgical tools that can be manipulated from outside the patient's body, and various imaging techniques such as ultrasound imaging, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, it has become possible to perform surgical procedures through very small incisions or body openings whose size would be unsuitable for traditional open surgery. Such surgical procedures are generally referred to as minimally invasive surgery.

[0004] Minimally invasive surgery, where applicable, offers significant advantages for patients, as it causes less trauma than open surgery. It often also reduces treatment costs and shortens hospital stays. However, conventional minimally invasive surgical devices have several disadvantages. One disadvantage is the surgeon's easy fatigue due to the need to manually hold the minimally invasive surgical device during use. Another disadvantage is that minimally invasive surgical devices require the surgeon to hold their hands in a very uncomfortable position. Furthermore, conventional minimally invasive surgical devices can cause angular magnification of malmovements.As a result, the surgeon can perform an operation using minimally invasive surgical devices with considerably less precision and accuracy than when performing an operation using conventional techniques in which the surgeon directly grasps the tool. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery is only used for surgical procedures that require a low degree of precision handling from the surgeon.

[0005] A typical surgical device for use in minimally invasive surgery includes an elongated tube with a first end insertable into the patient's body through an incision or opening, and a second end extending from the patient's body for grasping by the surgeon. The first end is fitted with a surgical tool, while the second end is provided with a handle or other member grasped by the surgeon and mechanically connected to the tool through the center of the tube. The surgeon can manipulate the handle to operate the tool, and the surgeon can alter the position of the tool by changing the orientation of the tube relative to the patient's body.

[0006] Generic medical instruments / tools are often used in practice as grasping, holding, and / or cutting tools. The jaws may have cutting edges for severing tissue, or blunt surfaces for holding severed tissue or clamping blood vessels.

[0007] Trocars are commonly used in minimally invasive surgery today to insert surgical implants into body cavities. Such trocars are used, for example, in laparoscopic and thorascopic procedures. These sleeve-shaped trocars, which extend from outside the body into the operating room, allow instruments and objects to be introduced into the body cavity. The disadvantage of this approach is that each instrument must be inserted through a separate trocar or tube. Therefore, the number of instruments is always limited by the number of access points or the number of trocars.

[0008] US 2010 / 0204727 A1, US 2009 / 0198107 A1, and WO 2015 / 087715 A1 disclose surgical devices with clamps used in operations to hold tissue, organs or blood vessels

[0009] There is still a great need for the development of improved surgical tools for both open surgical procedures and minimally invasive operations.

[0010] Against this background, it is an object of this invention to provide a surgical device which allows a treating physician to carry out a medical procedure in a simplified manner, wherein the above disadvantages are to be overcome.

[0011] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a surgical device for clamping in tissue, the surgical device comprising the following: a first clamp with two clamping legs and a hinged spring holding the clamping legs together, wherein the first clamp has a distal clamping section designed to clamp and hold tissue, and a proximal actuating section designed to open and close the clamping section of the first clamp, a second clamp with two clamping legs and a hinged spring holding the clamping legs together, wherein the second clamp has a distal clamping section designed to clamp and hold tissue, and a proximal actuating section designed to open and close the distal clamping section of the second clamp, and an elongated, dimensionally stable connecting piece for connecting the first and second clamps,wherein the connecting piece is fixed to the proximal actuating portion of the first clamp and to the proximal actuating portion of the second clamp to form a stable distance between the first clamp and the second clamp. ,

[0012] Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is the use of the surgical device according to the invention within a minimally invasive or open surgical treatment, in particular within a biopsy / endoscopy for self-holding of tissue.

[0013] The problem underlying the invention is thus completely solved.

[0014] The present invention provides a surgical device for clamping into tissue, which device is suitable for surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive surgical procedures. These procedures may be either diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedures.

[0015] The surgical device according to the invention provides a medical tool with which a physician is able to clamp tissue during a surgical procedure and, for example, to keep it in shape or at a distance during a procedure.

[0016] The surgical device according to the invention further offers the advantage of being trocar- or tube-independent. This means that while it can be guided to the treatment site via a trocar, it can be used there without a trocar, allowing multiple surgical devices according to the invention to be introduced into a body orifice through a single tube.

[0017] The device according to the invention, or the first and second clamps, can be opened by applying pressure within the proximal actuating portion of the respective clamp. The pressure can be applied, for example, by direct finger pressure from the treating physician or by another tool, e.g., surgical forceps or an endoscopic clamp.

[0018] The surgical device according to the invention also provides a medical tool that can also be used in robot-assisted surgery and endoscopy. Medical robotics offers the advantage of performing highly precise movements and thus handling of the device according to the invention in a robot-assisted manner. In this case, the device according to the invention, or the first and second clamps, can be opened by applying pressure within the proximal actuation section of the respective clamp. The pressure can be applied by the robot itself or by a gripper arm of the robot, with the robot being controlled by the treating physician, for example, using a joystick.

[0019] According to the invention, a "clamp" is understood to be a device that enables a treating physician to clamp tissue or hold it at a distance. The clamps according to the invention, or their distal clamping section, are designed in such a way that they minimize the risk of damaging or rupturing the tissue during the procedure.

[0020] According to the invention, the first and second clamps are each designed such that they each have two clamping legs held together by a hinged spring. The two clamping legs form a distal clamping section and a proximal actuating section. The distal clamping section is formed in particular by distal sections of the two clamping legs. Conversely, the proximal actuating section is formed by proximal sections of the two clamping legs. In other words, the respective clamping legs of the first and second clamps extend from the respective distal clamping section to the respective actuating section, being held together in a hinged manner by the respective spring.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second clamps can be identically designed clamps. In particular, the distal clamping section of the first and second clamps or the distal sections of the two clamping legs of the first and second clamps can be identically designed. For example, the first and second clamps can be designed as crocodile clips, wherein the respective clamping legs or the distal sections of the respective two clamping legs of the first and second clamps have a row of teeth that can optionally engage with one another. Alternatively, the first and second clamps can also be designed as surgical forceps, in which two opposing spikes touch each other when closed. Other designs of the distal clamping sections of the first and second clamps are also possible according to the invention.

[0022] Alternatively, the first and second clamps can also be configured differently. In particular, the distal clamping portion of the first and second clamps or the distal portions of the clamping legs of the first and second clamps can be configured differently. For example, the first clamp can be configured as a crocodile clip and the second clamp as a pair of surgical forceps, or vice versa.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second clamps are preferably in a closed handling state. In this state, the respective clamping legs or the distal sections of the respective clamping legs of the first and second clamps preferably touch each other in the respective distal clamping section; i.e., in the section in which the tissue is to be clamped. The closed state of the respective clamping legs is achieved by the respective springs, which are each relaxed when the clamp is in the closed state. Conversely, the respective springs of the respective clamps are compressed or under tension when the clamping legs or the distal clamping section are in an open state; i.e., the respective distal sections of the clamping legs are not touching.Conversely, the proximal portions of the clamping legs do not touch in a closed handling state of the surgical device, whereas the proximal portions of the clamping legs can touch in an open state.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the spring of the first and / or second clamp is preferably a metallic component that can be elastically deformed. Optionally, the spring can have an insulating sheath so that it is non-conductive. The spring is preferably in a relaxed handling state, which can be converted into a compressed state, in which the spring is under tension, by exerting pressure on the proximal actuating section. This offers the advantage that the tissue to be held at a distance can be securely clamped in the surgical device.

[0025] It is particularly preferred if the spring is a helical spring or helical compression spring or a leg spring, with the leg spring being particularly preferred.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting piece is designed to be "dimensionally stable." In this context, "dimensionally stable" means that the connecting piece can be deformed under the application of pressure; the connecting piece is thus not rigid. Accordingly, according to the invention, the connecting piece has limited flexibility.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred if the connecting piece is fixed to a proximal portion of one of the two clamping legs of the respective clamps. Alternatively, the connecting piece can also be fixed in the region of the spring of the respective clamp.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connection piece can be secured, for example, by gluing or welding. Alternatively, the fixation can also be achieved by clamping. For this purpose, the respective clamp or the respective proximal section of a clamping leg can have a holder into which the connection piece can be clamped or pushed and then clamped.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated, dimensionally stable connecting piece can preferably be designed as a wire, wherein it is preferred if the wire has a diameter of 10 mm to 50 mm, in particular of 15 mm to 40 mm, particularly preferably of 20 mm to 30 mm. If the device according to the invention is used within a robot-supporting / robot-assisted surgical procedure, the wire of the elongated, dimensionally stable connecting piece can preferably have a diameter of 1 mm to 10 mm, in particular of 1 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably of 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0030] It may be preferred that the wire consists of or contains one of the following materials: stainless steel, especially stainless steel; metal alloys, especially those made of titanium, tantalum, brass, copper, or silver. Furthermore, it may be preferred that the wire be an insulated wire that is non-conductive. A plastic or silicone is preferred as the insulating material.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surgical device is designed and dimensioned for minimally invasive or open surgical introduction into a tissue.

[0032] This embodiment has, inter alia, the advantage that the device according to the invention provides a surgical tool which has a small diameter, so that the device can be inserted into a small incision or a small body opening of the patient.

[0033] The surgical device according to the present invention is particularly suitable for minimally invasive surgical operations or other medical procedures performed through small incisions in a patient's body wall. However, in addition to minimally invasive surgery, the surgical device according to the present invention can also be used for other medical procedures, such as external surgery or traditional open surgery involving large incisions in the body wall. Accordingly, the surgical device according to the invention offers a wide range of applications within medicine.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the surgical device is designed and dimensioned for surgical, robot-assisted introduction into a tissue.

[0035] This embodiment has the advantage, among others, that the device according to the invention provides a surgical tool that can be significantly smaller than a minimally invasive tool, so that the surgical procedure leads to fewer complications overall and patients recover more quickly than after traditional open surgeries that require a large incision in the abdominal cavity. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, the device according to the invention can have a small diameter overall.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the distal clamping portion of the first clamp and the distal clamping portion of the second clamp can be opened by actuating the respective proximal actuating portion.

[0037] This design has the advantage that it is possible for a treating physician to open the respective clamp or the respective distal clamp section with a simple movement of the hand.

[0038] The opening of the respective clamp or the respective distal clamping section is preferably achieved by applying pressure to the respective proximal actuating section. This pressure can be exerted, for example, with a clamp or by two fingers of the treating physician on the proximal actuating section. The applied pressure deforms the respective spring, changing the spring from a relaxed state to a compressed state. The spring is then under tension. When the tension is released, the distal clamping section of the respective clamp closes due to the spring action, allowing tissue to be securely clamped within the respective clamp.

[0039] According to a further preferred embodiment, the spring of the first and / or second clamp has a spring constant of 0.005 to 0.25 N / mm, in particular of 0.07 to 0.15 N / mm, particularly preferably of 0.1 to 0.12 N / mm.

[0040] According to this embodiment, it is particularly preferred if the spring is a so-called leg spring.

[0041] This design has the advantage that the spring constant or spring hardness is selected such that only a slight pressure is sufficient to compress the respective spring to open the distal clamping sections. This pressure can be achieved, for example, using a surgical or endoscopic clamp, so that the first and / or second clamp can be opened using a surgical or endoscopic clamp.

[0042] According to a further preferred embodiment, the spring of the first and / or second clamp has a spring constant of 0.005 to 0.025 N / mm, in particular of 0.007 to 0.015 N / mm, particularly preferably of 0.01 to 0.012 N / mm.

[0043] This design has the advantage that the spring constant or spring hardness is selected such that very low pressure is sufficient to compress the respective spring and open the distal clamping sections. This pressure can be achieved, for example, by means of a gripper arm of a robot used during the surgical procedure, so that the first and / or second clamp can be opened with robot assistance.

[0044] According to a further preferred embodiment, the distal clamping section of the first and / or second clamp is formed by distal sections of the clamping legs, each of which comprises a clamping jaw having at least one row of teeth.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each pair of clamping jaws is designed such that the tissue can be securely clamped within the clamping jaws without damaging or rupturing the tissue. For this purpose, the clamping jaws are connected to each other via the spring so that the clamping jaws are pressed against each other in a closed handling state.

[0046] This design has the advantage that the tissue can be held securely by the clamping jaws or at least one row of teeth.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the row of teeth can be configured as individual, consecutive teeth surrounding a portion of the clamping jaws, or as a zigzag-shaped surface that fills the entire area of ​​the clamping jaw. According to one embodiment of the present invention, either one clamping leg or both clamping legs of a clamping jaw can have a row of teeth. If both clamping legs of a clamping jaw have a row of teeth, it may be preferable for the teeth of the opposing rows of teeth to mesh with each other.

[0048] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the distal clamping section of the first and / or second clamp is formed by distal sections of the clamping legs, each of which comprises a terminal mandrel, the mandrels of the clamping legs being designed to point towards one another.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the spikes are preferably designed such that they do not damage the tissue into which they are clamped. For this purpose, it may be preferable for the terminal or distal spikes to be rounded. This design has the advantage that the tissue can be securely held by the spikes.

[0050] According to a further preferred embodiment, the proximal actuating portion of the first and / or second clamp is formed by proximal portions of the clamping legs, which are designed and dimensioned for actuation by a surgical and / or endoscopic clamp.

[0051] According to this embodiment, it is advantageous if the proximal actuating portion has recesses into which a surgical and / or endoscopic clamp can engage. This embodiment has the advantage of facilitating the opening and closing of the distal clamping portion of the respective clamps while simultaneously preventing the surgical and / or endoscopic clamp from accidentally slipping off.

[0052] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first clamp is designed as a crocodile clip with two rows of teeth opposite each other on the clamping legs, and the second clamp is designed as a pair of surgical forceps, the surgical forceps having two opposing spikes.

[0053] It has been shown that this design of the clamps is particularly advantageous for clamping tissue, for example to keep tissue at a distance.

[0054] According to a further preferred embodiment, the surgical device has a length (L) of 1.5 to 15 cm, preferably a length of 8 to 10 cm, and more preferably a length of 8 to 9 cm.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the length of the device is measured from the distal clamping section of the first clamp to the distal clamping section of the second clamp. These lengths have been shown to be particularly advantageous during surgical procedures, keeping tissue at a distance while simultaneously clamping it securely. Furthermore, these lengths offer simplified handling during the surgical procedure.

[0056] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and / or second clamp has a length (L K1 , L K2 ) of 0.5 to 4 cm, with a length of 2.5 to 3.5 cm being preferred, with a length of 3 cm being particularly preferred.

[0057] According to this design, the length of the first or second clamp is measured from the distal clamping section to the proximal actuating section. These lengths have been shown to be particularly advantageous for surgical procedures, allowing sufficient tissue to be clamped.

[0058] According to a further preferred embodiment, the distance formed by the connecting piece between the first terminal and the second terminal is from approximately 5 mm to approximately 50 mm, with a distance of approximately 20 mm to 50 mm being preferred.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the distance between the first and second clamps, or the length of the connecting piece, is measured from the proximal actuating portion of the first clamp to the proximal actuating portion of the second clamp. These lengths have been shown to be particularly advantageous in surgical procedures for keeping tissue at a distance.

[0060] According to a further preferred embodiment, the surgical device has a length (L) of 1.5 to 7 cm, preferably a length of 1.5 to 5.5 cm, and more preferably a length of 2 to 4 cm.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the length of the device is measured from the distal clamping section of the first clamp to the distal clamping section of the second clamp. These lengths have been shown to be particularly advantageous in robot-assisted surgical procedures for keeping tissue at a distance while simultaneously clamping the tissue securely.

[0062] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and / or second clamp has a length (L K1 , L K2 ) of 0.5 to 2.5 cm, with a length of 1 to 1.5 cm being preferred, with a length of 1.5 cm being particularly preferred.

[0063] According to this design, the length of the first or second clamp is measured from the distal clamping section to the proximal actuating section. These lengths have been shown to be particularly advantageous for robot-assisted surgical procedures, allowing sufficient tissue to be clamped.

[0064] According to a further preferred embodiment, the distance formed by the connecting piece between the first terminal and the second terminal is from approximately 5 mm to approximately 25 mm.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the distance between the first and second clamps, or the length of the connecting piece, is measured from the proximal actuating portion of the first clamp to the proximal actuating portion of the second clamp. These lengths have been shown to be particularly advantageous in robot-assisted surgical procedures for keeping tissue at a distance.

[0066] According to a further preferred embodiment, the surgical device, in a handling state in which the first and second clamps are closed, is dimensioned and designed to be received in an insertion sleeve, wherein the insertion sleeve has a diameter of 7 to 15 mm, preferably a diameter of 8 to 10 mm.

[0067] This design has the advantage that the surgical device is configured to be inserted and removed through an introducer sleeve during a minimally invasive procedure. To be guided through the introducer sleeve, the surgical device preferably has a smaller diameter than the introducer sleeve; for example, 6 to 14 mm, preferably 7 to 9 mm, to prevent jamming or becoming stuck in the introducer sleeve.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the introducer sheath may be a tube through which surgical instruments can be guided into the body cavity during a minimally invasive procedure.

[0069] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and / or second terminal and / or the connecting piece is made of, or coated with, a material that is not or only slightly electrically conductive, wherein the material is selected from plastic, silicone and ceramic.

[0070] This design has the advantage of preventing short circuits and unintentional tissue injuries during a surgical procedure. Such short circuits / injuries can occur when electrically conductive instruments are used during a surgical procedure.

[0071] According to a further preferred embodiment, the surgical device has a detachable marker.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detachable marker can be a so-called adhesive tag. With the detachable marker, a treating physician can determine whether the device according to the invention is still in the body to be treated or has already been removed from the body. To do so, the treating physician can detach the marker from the device within a body cavity immediately before use and store it safely before using the device according to the invention. After completion of the surgical procedure, the treating physician can compare the number of markers with the number of surgical devices so that no instrument is inadvertently left in the body.

[0073] Further advantages emerge from the figures of the following description of preferred embodiments.

[0074] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0075] The invention is explained in more detail below using the examples and figures provided. They show: Figure 1 is a side view of a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the surgical device; Figure 2 is a front view of a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the surgical device within an introducer sheath; Figure 3 is a side view of a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the first clamp; Figure 4 is a side view of a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the surgical device with an introducer sheath and an endoscopic clamp; Figure 5 is a side view of a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the second clamp; and Figure 6 is a side view of a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the surgical device with a surgical clamp.

[0076] Functionally equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals in all figures, even in different embodiments.

[0077] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the surgical device 100. The surgical device 100 includes a first clamp 10, a second clamp 20, and an elongated, dimensionally stable connector 30. The two clamps 10 and 20 are in a closed operating state. The length of the surgical device 100 is indicated by L. The length of the first clamp 10 is indicated by L K1 , whereas the length of the second clamp 20 is indicated by L K2 .

[0078] The first clamp 10 is designed with two opposing clamping legs 12, wherein the two clamping legs 12 are held together by a hinged spring 14. The spring 14 as such is in Fig. 1 not shown, but only the joint through which the two clamping legs 12 can be moved in a deflecting manner relative to each other. The first clamp 10 is shown in a closed operating state. For this purpose, the clamping legs 12 touch each other in a distal clamping section 16, or rather, the two distal sections 17 of the clamping legs 12.

[0079] The first clamp 10 has a distal clamping portion 16 designed to clamp and hold tissue. The first clamp 10 further has a proximal actuating portion 18 for opening and closing the distal clamping portion 16. The distal clamping portion 16 is formed in particular by the distal portion 17 of the clamping legs 12, whereas the proximal actuating portion 18 is formed by the proximal portion 19 of the clamping legs 12.

[0080] In the Fig. 1 The first clamp 10 is designed as a crocodile clip. The crocodile clip 10 has two opposing rows of teeth 32 that interlock when closed. The rows of teeth 32 are preferably rounded to prevent the clamped tissue from being injured or ruptured.

[0081] The second clamp 20 is designed with two opposing clamping legs 22, wherein the two clamping legs 22 are held together by a hinged spring 24. The spring 24 as such is in Fig. 1 not shown, but only the joint through which the two clamping legs 22 can be moved in a deflecting manner relative to each other. The second clamp 20 is shown in a closed operating state. For this purpose, the clamping legs 22 touch each other in a distal clamping section 26, or rather, the two distal sections 27 of the clamping legs 22.

[0082] The second clamp 20 has a distal clamping portion 26 configured to clamp and hold tissue. The second clamp 20 further has a proximal actuating portion 28 for opening and closing the distal clamping portion 26. The distal clamping portion 26 is formed, in particular, by the distal portion 27 of the clamping legs 22, whereas the proximal actuating portion 18 is formed by the proximal portion 19 of the clamping legs 22.

[0083] In the Fig. 1 The second clamp 20 is designed as a pair of surgical forceps 20. The surgical forceps 20 has two opposing prongs 34, which, when closed, rest on one another or touch at the ends of the prongs. The prongs 34 are preferably rounded so that the clamped tissue is not injured.

[0084] In Fig. 1 The first and second clamps 10, 20 are designed differently: as a crocodile clip 10 and as surgical forceps 20, respectively. In an embodiment not shown, the two clamps 10, 20 can also be designed identically.

[0085] The elongated dimensionally stable connecting piece 30 is in Fig. 1 as a wire that is fixed to the proximal actuating portion 18 of the first clamp 10 and to the proximal actuating portion 28 of the second clamp 20 in order to achieve a stable distance between the first and second clamps 10 and 20. In the Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, each of the two clamping legs 12 and 22 of the first and second clamps 10, 20 has a fixation point at its proximal section, which is designed as a cylinder into which the connecting piece can be inserted and fixed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting piece 30 can also be fixed differently, for example, in the region of the spring 14, 24.

[0086] Fig. 2 shows a front view of a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the surgical device 100 within an introducer sheath 38. As in this Fig. 2 As can be clearly seen, the surgical device 100 is preferably designed and dimensioned for minimally invasive introduction into a tissue, so that the surgical device 100 can be guided through an introducer sleeve 38.

[0087] In Fig. 2 The introducer sleeve 38 is shown as a mere cylinder. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the introducer sleeve can be a trocar or a tube through which not only the device 100 according to the invention but also other medical instruments can be guided.

[0088] Fig. 3 shows a side view of a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the first clamp 10. The first clamp 10 is designed in this embodiment as a crocodile clip 10; analogous to Fig. 1 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first clamp 10 may also be designed as a surgical clamp 20 as shown in Fig. 5 is shown as an example.

[0089] Terminal 10 is in Fig. 3 shown at least partially open, so that the two clamping legs 12 lie parallel to each other. In this state, the respective clamping legs 12 or the distal sections 17 of the respective clamping legs 12 of the first clamp 10 do not touch each other in the distal clamping section 16; that is, in the section in which the tissue is to be clamped.

[0090] Fig. 4 shows a side view of a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the surgical device 100 with an introducer sheath 38 and an endoscopic clamp 36. This figure shows how the surgical device 100 can be guided through an introducer sheath. The introducer sheath 36 is depicted in this figure as a tube 36. The introducer sheath is particularly preferred for endoscopic procedures. In open surgical procedures, an introducer sheath may be unnecessary.

[0091] For example, the surgical device 100 can be guided into a patient's body orifice using an endoscopic clamp 36. Alternatively, the surgical device can also be guided to the treatment site using any other suitable surgical tool. Depending on whether the procedure is endoscopic or open surgery, different insertion clamps may be advantageous.

[0092] Fig. 5 shows a side view of a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the second clamp 20. The second clamp 20 is designed in this embodiment as surgical forceps 20; analogous to Fig. 1 ; analogous to Fig. 1 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second clamp 20 may also be designed as a surgical clamp 20 as shown in Fig. 3 shown as an example. Terminal 20 is in Fig. 5 shown fully open, so that the two proximal sections 29 of the clamping legs 22 touch in the proximal actuating section 18, whereas the distal clamping section 26 is fully open.

[0093] Fig. 6 shows a side view of a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the surgical device 100 with a surgical clamp 36. The operation of the proximal actuating portion 18, which is designed to open and close the distal clamping portion 16, is shown. The operation is shown on the first clamp 10 of the surgical device 100. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second clamp 20 can be actuated analogously by the surgical clamp 36.

[0094] When the surgical clamp 36 exerts pressure on the proximal region 18 of the clamping legs 12, the two proximal sections 19 of the clamping legs 12 are pressed against each other, compressing the spring 14 and opening the distal sections 17 of the clamping legs 12 to clamp the tissue. When the surgical clamp 36 is released from the surgical device, the clamp 10 closes automatically due to the spring action, clamping the tissue within the two clamping legs 12.

[0095] To ensure safe opening of the clamps 10 and 20, it is advantageous if the proximal actuating portion 18 has recesses into which a surgical and / or endoscopic clamp 36 can engage (not shown). This configuration has the advantage of facilitating the opening and closing of the distal clamping portion 16 of the respective clamps 10, 20 and simultaneously preventing the surgical and / or endoscopic clamp 36 from accidentally slipping off.

Claims

1.

1. A surgical device (100) for clamping in tissue, wherein the surgical device (100) comprises - a first clamp (10) comprising two clamp-legs (12) and a hinge-like articulated spring (14) holding the clamp-legs (12) together, wherein the first clamp (10) comprises a distal clamping portion (16) configured for clamping and holding tissue, and a proximal actuating portion (18) configured for opening and closing the distal clamping portion (16) of the first clamp (10), - a second clamp (20) comprising two clamp-legs (22) and a hinge-like articulated spring (24) holding the clamp-legs (22) together, wherein the second clamp (20) comprises a distal clamping portion (26) configured for clamping and holding tissue and a proximal actuating portion (28) configured for opening and closing the distal clamping portion (26) of the second clamp (20), characterized in that the device further comprises - an elongated dimensionally stable connector (30) for connecting the first and second clamps (10, 20), wherein the connector (30) is fixed to the proximal actuating portion (18) of the first clamp (10) and to the proximal actuating portion (28) of the second clamp (20) to form a stable distance between the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (20).

2. The surgical device (100) of claim 1, wherein the surgical device (100) is configured for and dimensioned for minimally invasive or open surgical insertion into a tissue.

3. The surgical device (100) of claim 1 or 2, further being designed such, that by actuation of the respective proximal actuating portion (18, 28) the distal clamping portion (16) of the first clamp (10) and the distal clamping portion (26) of the second clamp (20) can be opened.

4. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the spring (14, 24) of the first and / or second clamp comprises a spring constant of 0.005 to 0.25 N / mm, preferably of 0.07 to 0.15 N / mm, more preferably of 0.1 to 0.12 N / mm.

5. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal clamping portion (16, 26) of the first and / or second clamp (10, 20) is respectively formed through distal portions (17) of the clamp-legs (12), which each comprise a clamping jaw comprising at least one row of teeth (32).

6. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal clamping portion (16, 26) of the first and / or second clamp (10, 20) is respectively formed through distal portions (27) of the clamp-legs (22), which each comprise a terminal spike (34), wherein the spikes (34) of the clamp-legs (22) point towards each other.

7. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the proximal actuating portion (18, 28) of the first and / or second clamp (10, 20) is respectively formed by proximal portions (19, 29) of the clamp-legs (12, 22), which are configured and dimensioned for actuation by a surgical and / or endoscopic clamp (36).

8. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first clamp (10) is embodied as a crocodile clamp comprising two opposing rows (32) of teeth on the clamp-legs (12), and wherein the second clamp (12) is provided as surgical forceps, wherein the surgical forceps comprises two opposing spikes (34).

9. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the surgical device (100) comprises a length (L) of 1.5 to 15 cm, preferably a length of 8 to 10 cm, and more preferably a length of 8 to 9 cm.

10. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second clamp (10, 20) comprises a length (LK1, LK2) of 0.5 to 4 cm, preferably a length of 2.5 to 3.5 cm, more preferably a length of 3 cm.

11. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (20) as defined through the connector (30) is from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, preferably from about 20 mm to 50 mm.

12. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the surgical device (100), in a handling state in which the first and second clamps (10, 20) are closed, is dimensioned and configured for being accommodated in an introduction sleeve (38), wherein the introduction sleeve (38) comprises a diameter of 7 to 15 mm, preferably a diameter of 8 to 10 mm.

13. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second clamp (10, 20) and / or the connector (30) is made of or coated with a material that is not or only slightly electrically conductive, wherein the material is selected from plastic, silicone and ceramic.

14. The surgical device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the surgical device (100) comprises a removable label.