SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING AND DISASSEMBLING THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a surgical instrument system, a surgical instrument that can be reversibly assembled and disassembled therefrom, and a corresponding method for assembling and disassembling a surgical instrument.

[0002] It is known from the prior art that surgical instruments can be equipped with tools that can be moved by actuating a handle via a reciprocating transmission element. This transmission element, often rod-shaped, extends through an elongated cylindrical shaft, at the distal end of which the tool connected to the transmission element is arranged. A handle is arranged at the proximal end of the shaft, which is operatively connected to the transmission element.

[0003] It is known that modular surgical instrument systems allow the user to individually assemble a surgical instrument of their choice at any time, which can then be easily disassembled into its components, cleaned, and at least partially reused. A modular system for surgical instruments might, for example, consist of three kits containing the instrument components: handle, shaft, and tip. The tips are often supplied in conjunction with a rod-shaped transmission element. The modular design simplifies the replacement of defective parts and, thanks to autoclavable components, allows for at least partial reuse. The handles, shafts, and tips available in the modular system can differ in their applications, materials, and / or sizes.For example, the handles can have different grip designs and be equipped with various functional elements, such as detents, flushing ports, and actuators for shaft rotation. For high-frequency electrical applications (generating heat with high-frequency alternating current to remove or cut tissue, or to stop bleeding by occlusion), the system can also include insulated versions of handles and shafts.

[0004] In order to be able to manually separate the shaft from the handle of a modular surgical instrument without additional assembly tools when disassembling it, handles are known with a mechanism that releases the handle from the shaft at the push of a button, as disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2012 007 650 A1.

[0005] From EP 0 546 209 B1, which relates to an endoscopic forceps for the application of high-frequency currents, it is known to detachably clamp the shaft by means of a knurled screw in a fixed handle part of the handle, so that no additional assembly tool is required when disassembling the modular surgical instrument.

[0006] Furthermore, bayonet connections, as disclosed in DE 197 07 373 C1 or EP 0 688 187 B1, or snap-fit ​​connections are frequently used for the detachable connection of tubular components of a modular surgical system. In these snap-fit ​​connections, radially compressible elastic snap arms from a slotted tube end with outwardly pointing projections can engage in corresponding recesses in a tube receptacle, as known from EP 0 712 608 A2 and US 5,947,996 A.

[0007] A combination of bayonet and locking mechanism is also known, for example from DE 10 2010 048516 B4, wherein the bayonet guide body guided in the bayonet guide track simultaneously forms a locking element which, in bayonet locking position, engages with a clamping means which is arranged projecting into the bayonet guide track at the free end of a spring-loaded tab.

[0008] DE 10 2007 021658 A1 discloses a surgical instrument system with a disassemblable surgical instrument.

[0009] The fact that the components of a modular surgical instrument can be disassembled by simultaneously grasping and twisting and / or pulling apart the respective components, possibly while simultaneously releasing a locking mechanism, allows the user to disassemble the instrument without additional tools. However, the requirement for tool-free disassembly limits the connection options and the forces that can be applied for disassembly.

[0010] Starting from this state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved instrument system for an improved surgical instrument.

[0011] This problem is solved by an instrument system with the features of claim 1 and by a disassemblable surgical instrument with the features of claim 11. The further problem of simplified assembly and disassembly of a surgical instrument is solved by the method with the features of claim 12.

[0012] Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] A first embodiment of the surgical instrument system according to the invention, which comprises as instrument components at least one tool tip, at least one shaft and at least one handle for the modular assembly of at least one surgical instrument, relates to the fact that the tool tip and a distal end of the shaft are designed as distal connecting partners that can be connected in a detachable manner, and a proximal end of the shaft and the handle are designed as proximal connecting partners that can also be connected in a detachable manner.According to the invention, at least one of the instrument components has an integrated assembly tool designed to interact with at least one of the distal connection partners or one of the proximal connection partners in order to release or engage the engagement of the interacting distal connection partner or the interacting proximal connection partner. The invention further includes the possibility that the assembly tool may also interact with one of the distal connection partners and with one of the proximal connection partners in order to release or engage both the engagement of the interacting distal connection partner and the engagement of the interacting proximal connection partner.

[0014] By using an assembly tool that is always available when needed due to its integration into an instrument component, the mechanical stability of the respective connection can be increased and – depending on the design – any play in the instrument components can be reduced. Furthermore, the disassembly process is simplified.

[0015] A further advantage is that the surgical instrument system according to the invention can be designed and assembled modularly.

[0016] A surgical instrument system according to the invention for assembling a surgical instrument is considered to be a set consisting of a tool tip, a shaft, and a handle, provided that one of the instrument components has an integrated assembly tool with which the connection between the other two instrument components can be loosened or joined. Typically, a surgical instrument system, as a modular system, contains several variants of the three instrument components—tool tip, shaft, and handle—which can be combined in virtually any way to form a customized surgical instrument. The number of tool tips, shafts, and handles in a surgical instrument system could be the same, allowing the instrument components to be divided into several sets without any instrument component being left over.Alternatively, the number of tool tips, shafts, and handles in a surgical instrument system can differ, provided that at least one complete set of instrument components, and preferably several complete sets, is included. Therefore, a surgical instrument system according to the invention can comprise several sets of instrument components and further instrument components that do not constitute a complete set. For example, a surgical instrument system can have a number of tool tips that is greater than the number of handles, which in turn is greater than the number of shafts, such that the number of sets included corresponds to the number of shafts, and the instrument system additionally comprises further handles and tool tips as instrument components.

[0017] The instrument component "tool tip" comprises a surgical tool, which may be, for example, a grasping or dissecting forceps, a punch, or a scissor tool, an associated actuating mechanism for the tool, and a tool insert that may be designed to hold the tool, accommodate the actuating mechanism, and connect to a distal end of the shaft. Furthermore, the rod-shaped transmission element, which is connected distally to the actuating mechanism, is also associated with the tool tip. The instrument component "shaft" refers to an elongated cylindrical shaft at the distal end of which the tool tip is located, such that the transmission element associated with the tool tip extends through the shaft. The proximal end of the shaft, which may optionally have a proximal end piece, is designed for connection to the instrument component "handle."

[0018] Another embodiment of the surgical instrument system according to the invention relates to the fact that at least one first surgical instrument can be assembled from at least one first set of instrument components, which has the instrument component with the integrated assembly tool as one of the distal connection partners or as one of the proximal connection partners. The engagement of the instrument component, which has the integrated assembly tool, with the respective distal or proximal connection partner can be manually disengaged and joined. That is to say,, that the engagement of the proximal connection partners is manually detachable and joinable if the instrument component with the assembly tool is one of the proximal connection partners, wherein the assembly tool is designed to interact with one of the proximal connection partners, and conversely, that the engagement of the distal connection partners is manually detachable and joinable if the instrument component with the assembly tool is one of the distal connection partners, wherein the assembly tool is designed to interact with one of the distal connection partners.Alternatively, at least one first surgical instrument can be assembled from at least one set of instrument components, in which the assembly tool is manually detachable from the instrument component and is designed to interact with one of the distal connection partners and one of the proximal connection partners in order to release or join both the engagement of the interacting distal connection partner and the engagement of the interacting proximal connection partner.

[0019] A "manually detachable" connection is understood to be a connection that can be joined and loosened by hand without the use of a tool.

[0020] A variant of the surgical instrument system according to the invention, comprising several first sets of instrument components, can provide that a first surgical instrument can be assembled from each set, in which the instrument component with the integrated assembly tool can be manually engaged with its respective connecting partner, the assembly tool being designed to interact with the other two connecting partners. Alternatively, a first surgical instrument can be assembled from each set, in which the assembly tool is manually detachable from the instrument component and is designed to interact with one of the distal and one of the proximal connecting partners.

[0021] The term "first" set or surgical instrument here does not refer to a specific position within a quantity specification, but rather to a first type of instrument set or surgical instrument that includes an instrument component with the assembly tool, whereby either the instrument component with the assembly tool can be manually detached from its associated connecting partner or the assembly tool from the instrument component, so that a single first set is sufficient to assemble and disassemble the first surgical instrument.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to a first set of instrument components for assembling a first surgical instrument, a surgical instrument system according to the invention may, in a further embodiment, comprise at least a second set of instrument components from which a second surgical instrument can be assembled. A "second" surgical instrument or set refers to a type that differs from the "first" surgical instrument or set, wherein either none of the instrument components has an assembly tool or the assembly tool is permanently attached to an instrument component whose engagement with the associated connecting partner cannot be manually released. Unlike a first set or surgical instrument, a single second set is not sufficient to assemble and disassemble the second surgical instrument.A surgical instrument system according to the invention with such a "second" set therefore comprises at least one further instrument component with an integrated assembly tool, or a corresponding set with the further instrument component, for assembling and disassembling a "second" surgical instrument. This further instrument component can be a tool tip, a shaft, or a handle, wherein the assembly tool integrated in the further instrument component is designed to interact with one of the distal connection partners and one of the proximal connection partners of the second surgical instrument for releasing or joining both components.

[0023] In one embodiment of this surgical instrument system according to the invention, the surgical instrument system comprises at least a first set and a second set, i.e., at least two tool tips, at least two shafts, and at least two handles as instrument components, from which a first surgical instrument and a second surgical instrument can be assembled. Here, the second surgical instrument is a toolless surgical instrument in which no instrument component includes an assembly tool. Furthermore, the instrument component of the first set that includes the assembly tool corresponds to the second instrument component with the integrated assembly tool, which consequently serves not only to interact with at least one of the distal or proximal connection partners of the first set, but also with the second set.The assembly tool is designed not only for the first surgical instrument, but also for interaction with one of the distal and proximal connection partners of the second set or the second toolless surgical instrument. Therefore, the assembly tool of the first set or the first surgical instrument can not only be used to assemble and disassemble the first surgical instrument, but also to connect or disconnect the respective distal and proximal connection partners of the second toolless surgical instrument.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of a surgical instrument system according to the invention, which comprises at least a first set of instrument components from which at least a first surgical instrument can be assembled, the instrument component with the integrated assembly tool is the handle, since it offers sufficient possibilities or installation space for integrating an assembly tool. Accordingly, the handle is designed for a manually releasable engagement with the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the assembly tool is designed to interact with one of the distal connection partners (tool tip or distal shaft end) in order to release or engage the corresponding engagement of the interacting distal connection partner.

[0025] Alternatively, and perhaps less preferred for reasons of installation space, the instrument component with the integrated assembly tool can be the tool tip, which is then designed for a manually releasable engagement with the distal end of the shaft in order to release or join the engagement of the cooperating distal connection partner with the integrated assembly tool, which is designed to interact with one of the proximal connection partners (handle or proximal shaft end).

[0026] In another alternative, in which the assembly tool is manually detachable from the instrument component, this can optionally be the handle, the shaft, or the tool tip, wherein the detachable assembly tool can be designed to interact with both one of the distal connection partners and one of the proximal connection partners in order to release or join the engagements of the respective interacting distal and proximal connection partners.

[0027] According to a further alternative embodiment of a surgical instrument system according to the invention, which does not have a first set, the surgical instrument system can have at least two second sets, i.e., at least two tool tips, at least two shafts, and at least two handles as instrument components for assembling at least two second surgical instruments, in which neither the engagements of the distal and proximal connecting partners nor the arrangement of the assembly tool are designed to be manually detachable, and which are therefore referred to here as tool-detachable surgical instruments. Each second set has a further instrument component with the integrated assembly tool, which is permanently attached to the instrument component whose engagement with the associated connecting partner cannot be manually detachable.Thus, the assembly tool of each second tool-releasable surgical instrument is designed to interact with one of the distal and one of the proximal connecting partners of another second surgical instrument in order to release or join the engagement of the interacting distal connecting partner and the engagement of the interacting distal connecting partner of the other second surgical instrument.

[0028] For all the aforementioned variants of a surgical instrument system according to the invention, a further embodiment provides that the assembly tool has an engagement profile that corresponds to a drive profile of the interacting distal or proximal connection partner. The drive profile can be present or formed on the interacting distal or proximal connection partner itself. Alternatively, an additional connecting element can be assigned to the interacting distal or proximal connection partner, which has the drive profile that corresponds to the engagement profile of the assembly tool in order to provide the interaction.

[0029] Further embodiments relate to the fact that the engagement profile of the assembly tool can be formed in a functional element of the instrument component that has a basic function different from the assembly function. Examples of functional elements with a different basic function can include, but are not limited to, detents, flushing ports, actuating elements, and housing elements. Alternatively, the assembly tool can be provided by a tool element that has the engagement profile and that can be pivotably or detachably arranged on the instrument component or received in a recess of the instrument component. The detachable arrangement of the assembly tool is less preferred because, if care is not taken, there is a risk that the assembly tool could be misplaced or lost after use.Therefore, a detachable assembly tool is preferably limited to the variant of a first set of instrument components for assembling a first surgical instrument, in which the engagements of both the distal and proximal connection partners are designed to be detachable and joinable by the assembly tool.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, the functional element of the instrument component, with a basic function differing from the assembly function, can be a knurled knob for manually securing the proximal end of the shaft in the handle. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the recess can be a receiving compartment adapted to the assembly tool, formed in a handle housing of the handle.

[0031] In further embodiments of the invention, a surgical instrument system is characterized by an engagement profile corresponding to a wrench-tool profile of an open-end wrench, ring wrench, pipe wrench, or socket wrench. This engagement profile can be an external or internal polygonal profile (e.g., hexagon), an external or internal multi-round profile (e.g., Torx), or an external or internal multi-tooth profile. Alternatively, the engagement profile can correspond to a screwdriver-tool profile for slotted or Phillips screws. Further examples of engagement profiles include a variable gripping profile in the form of pliers for various drive profiles that can be gripped with the pliers, or a custom-designed tool profile that differs from the wrench-tool profile, the screwdriver-tool profile, and the pliers, and is adapted to a custom-shaped drive profile.

[0032] A disassemblable surgical instrument according to the invention, in a first embodiment, comprises a tool tip, a shaft, and a handle as instrument components, wherein the tool tip and a distal end of the shaft are releasably engaged as distal connecting partners, and a proximal end of the shaft and the handle are also releasably engaged as proximal connecting partners. According to the invention, the disassemblable surgical instrument is assembled from the instrument components of a surgical instrument system according to the invention, preferably from the instrument components of a first set.The disassemblable surgical instrument exhibits increased mechanical stability with reduced play between at least two instrument components, which are the distal or proximal connecting partners, the engagement of which can be released by an assembly tool that is integrated into one of the instrument components of the surgical instrument system, preferably an instrument component of the disassemblable surgical instrument itself.

[0033] Integrating the assembly tool into an instrument component offers the advantage of ensuring that the tool required for assembly and disassembly is always readily available and cannot be misplaced or lost. This prevents the instruments from being disassembled or assembled in a manner other than intended, which could lead to damage or impairment of the instrument.

[0034] A method according to the invention for assembling and disassembling a surgical instrument according to the invention, which can be assembled and disassembled from the instrument components of a surgical instrument system according to the invention, comprises in a first embodiment the steps Providing the instrument component with the assembly tool, which is designed to interact with at least one of the distal connection partners or one of the proximal connection partners, and using the assembly tool during assembly of the surgical instrument, joining at least the engagement of the distal connection partners or the engagement of the proximal connection partners, and during disassembly of the surgical instrument, releasing at least the engagement of the distal connection partners or the engagement of the proximal connection partners.

[0035] Further embodiments of the method according to the invention differ depending on the respective embodiment of the surgical instrument system according to the invention, wherein the respective method steps can be taken from the preceding description of the surgical instrument system according to the invention or from the following detailed description.

[0036] Further embodiments, as well as some of the advantages associated with these and other embodiments, will become clearer and more easily understood through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. Objects or parts thereof that are essentially the same or similar may be provided with the same reference numerals. The figures are merely a schematic representation of one embodiment of the invention.

[0037] This shows: Fig. 1 a partially sectioned side view of a disassemblable surgical instrument with integrated assembly tool according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a side view of a surgical instrument system according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 Schematic side views of surgical instruments according to the invention with different disassembly concepts a, b, c, Fig. 4 Schematic side views of surgical instrument systems according to the invention with different disassembly concepts a, b, Fig. 5 a perspective detail view of a distal end section of the shaft in engagement with the tool tip and an assembly tool integrated into the handle according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 A schematic side view of an assembly tool integrated into the handle according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0038] The invention relates to a modular surgical instrument system comprising the instrument components handle, shaft, and tool tip, as well as a surgical instrument that can be assembled therefrom. The invention further relates to a method for assembling and disassembling a surgical instrument from the instrument components of a modular surgical instrument system according to the invention. According to the invention, an assembly tool is integrated into one of the instrument components of the surgical instrument system, with which at least one connection between two instrument components can be joined and released. The device referred to as the assembly tool is therefore not limited to use during the assembly of the surgical instrument to join the respective connection, but can also be used during the disassembly of the surgical instrument to release the corresponding connection.An integrated assembly tool refers both to a tool element, such as an open-end wrench, that is pivotably or releasably mounted in a recess of an instrument component, and to a tool functionality that is integral to or present in an existing functional element of the instrument component of the surgical instrument system. The functional element typically has a basic function that differs from the assembly and disassembly function.

[0039] Fig. 1 Figure 10 shows an example of a modular surgical instrument 10, which is composed of the three components of a surgical instrument system 1, for which in Fig. 2 A simple example is shown. The simplified modular surgical instrument system 1 has two different handles 110, 110', two shafts 120, 120', and two tool tips 130, 130', each connected here by a rod-shaped transmission element 131. The shafts 120, 120' of the surgical instrument system 1 have proximal end pieces 121, 121', with the proximal end piece 121' of the shaft 120' having an irrigation port 122'. In this example, the handle 110 has a knurled screw with a knob 112 as a functional element for securing a shaft 120, 120' or its end piece 121, 121' in the handle 110.The tool tips 130, 130' and the distal ends of the shafts 120, 120' are designed as distal connection partners A, A' for a releasable engagement AA', and the proximal ends of the shafts 120, 120' at the proximal end piece 121, 121' are designed with the handles 110, 110' as proximal connection partners B, B' for a releasable engagement BB'.

[0040] The exemplary surgical instrument 10, which can be assembled from instrument system 1, in Fig. 1 The instrument comprises the components handle 110', shaft 120' with proximal end piece 121', and tool tip 130'. The tool tip 130°, as distal connection partner A, is arranged at a distal end A' of the shaft 120', which defines a longitudinal axis L of the surgical instrument 10. The tool tip 130' can be actuated via the longitudinally movable transmission element 131 within the shaft 120', which is brought into operative connection with the handle 110', which is arranged as proximal connection partner B at a proximal end B' of the shaft 120'. Of course, a surgical instrument 10 can also be assembled from the surgical instrument system 1 with the respective other instrument components handle 110, shaft 120 and tool tip 130, as well as surgical instruments 10 with any combination of the instrument components handles 110, 110', shafts 120, 120' and tool tips 130, 130'.Furthermore, an instrument system 1 according to the invention can of course also be used differently than in . Fig. 2 The instrument components shown are more than two sets, i.e., more than two tool tips, shafts, and handles each, which can be combined to form more than two surgical instruments 10. A set therefore consists of a tool tip, a shaft, and a handle, which can be assembled to form one surgical instrument 10.

[0041] At least one of the components of surgical system 1 - in the examples of Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 This is handle 110, 110' - features an integrated assembly tool 4. In Fig. 1 It can be seen that the assembly tool 4 of the handle 110' is a tool element pivotably mounted in the handle housing 111, which, when not in use, is stored in a storage compartment 113 in the handle housing 111 (cf. Fig. 6 )and which in this example is designed as an open-end wrench with a wrench jaw as engagement profile 40. The assembly tool 4 of the further handle 110 of the instrument system 1 in Fig. 2 This is provided by a tool functionality integrated into the knob of the knurled screw 112. The basic function of the knurled screw 112 is to secure the proximal end of the shaft or the proximal end piece in the handle 110. The additional tool functionality integrated into the knob 112 can be used, as in the example of Fig. 5 in an internal hexagon as engagement profile 40, which is formed in the rotary knob 112.

[0042] In one embodiment of the instrument system 1, it can be provided that each component of each set or all similar instrument components, e.g. all handles, each have an integrated assembly tool 4, so that each surgical instrument 10 that can be assembled from the instrument system 1 has an integrated assembly tool 4 according to the invention.

[0043] By using an assembly tool to disassemble the connection between the tool tip-shank and / or shank-handle components, the mechanical stability of the respective connection can be increased while simultaneously simplifying disassembly. Depending on the design, the play between the components can also be reduced. The assembly tool can be integrated into one of the three components of the surgical instrument system to join and unjoin the connection between the other two components. For this purpose, the assembly tool is designed to interact with one of the distal connection partners and / or one of the proximal connection partners to join or loosen the engagement of the interacting distal connection partner and / or the interacting proximal connection partner.

[0044] In Figuren 1-5 AA' designates a manually or with the assembly tool 4 releasable engagement of the tool tip 130, 130' as distal connection partner A with the distal end of the shaft 120, 120' as corresponding distal connection partner A'. Similarly, BB' designates a manually or with the assembly tool 4 releasable engagement of the handle 110, 110' as proximal connection partner B with the proximal end of the shaft 120, 120' as corresponding proximal connection partner B'.

[0045] In a three-part instrument 10, the integrated assembly tool 4 is advantageously located at least at one of the terminal instrument components, i.e., at the tool tip 130, 130°, which is a distal connection partner A for engagement AA' with the distal shaft end A', and / or preferably at the proximal handle 110, 110', which is a proximal connection partner B for engagement BB' with the proximal shaft end B'. The assembly tool 4 is designed to engage and disengage the other terminal instrument component, which does not have the assembly tool 4, with the shaft 120, 120'. For this purpose, the assembly tool 4 is designed to interact with the other terminal instrument component or the associated shaft end, or with an additional connecting element associated with the instrument component or the shaft end, such as a cap nut.

[0046] The engagement of the respective instrument component, tool tip 130, 130' or handle 110, 110', which has the integrated assembly tool 4, with the shaft 120, 120' can in a preferred embodiment be designed to be manually detachable without aids, so that each individually assembled surgical instrument 10 can be disassembled and joined without further aids.

[0047] Alternatively, the engagement of the instrument component, which has the integrated assembly tool 4, with the shaft 120, 120' could also be designed as a tool-releasable engagement, which provides the connection with increased mechanical stability and less play. Since an engagement between connecting partners, one of which is the instrument component with the assembly tool 4, cannot be released by the assembly tool 4 being fixedly connected to the component, in a further embodiment the assembly tool 4 can be detachably integrated into the instrument component. Furthermore, the other terminal instrument component or another instrument component of the surgical instrument system 1, which is not used in the assembly of the surgical instrument, could have an (additional) assembly tool to release the tool-releasable engagement of the instrument component that has the assembly tool 4.

[0048] In a further embodiment, in which a modular instrument system 1 comprises at least two sets, each with three instrument components, it is conceivable that with an assembly tool 4 on one of the components all the connections between the connecting partners of each surgical instrument of the surgical system 1 can be released (and joined) by using the assembly tool 4 on the component of the first set to release the connections of the components on the second set and vice versa.

[0049] In Figuren 1 , 3 und 4 The surgical instrument 10 according to the invention comprises, as components selected from an instrument system 1, a tool tip 130, 130', a shaft 120, 120' and a handle 110, 110', wherein a proximal end piece 121' of the shaft 120' is Fig. 1 is depicted; in the schematic Fig. 3 und 4Although the illustration of a proximal end piece was omitted, it can be considered included. Therefore, the phrase "connection of the handle to the shaft" should be interpreted not only as a connection of the handle to a proximal end of the shaft, but also as a connection of the handle to the proximal end piece of the shaft.

[0050] In Fig. 3 Three variants a, b and c of a surgical instrument 10 according to the invention are shown, which can be assembled from an instrument system 1 according to the invention: In Fig. 3a The assembly tool 4 is integrated into the handle 110, 110' to release (or re-engage) the engagement AA' of the distal connection partners A, A', i.e., the tool tip 130, 130' with the distal end of the shaft 120, 120'. The engagement BB' of the proximal connection partners B, B', i.e., the handle 110, 110' with the shaft 120, 120° (or the proximal end piece not shown), can be manually released (e.g., by actuating a knurled screw with a rotary knob 112), so that after releasing the handle 110, 110' from the shaft 120, 120', the assembly tool 4 is available on the handle 110, 110' to release the distal engagement AA' of the tool tip 130, 130' with the shaft 120, 120'. This variant represents a preferred embodiment, since a handle 110, 110' offers ample possibilities for integrating an assembly tool 4, and the manual release of the engagement BB' eliminates the need for any additional assembly tools.

[0051] In a case where both the engagement AA' of the tool tip 130, 130' with the shaft 120, 120° and the engagement BB' of the shaft 120, 120' with the handle 110, 110' are designed as tool-releasable connections, the assembly tool 4 can be manually detachable and integrated into the respective instrument component. Such a variant is shown in the example of the surgical instrument 10 in Fig. 3b The manually detachable arrangement C of the assembly tool 4 on the handle 110, 110' is shown. For a manually detachable arrangement C of the assembly tool 4, the handle 110, 110' can, for example, have a receiving compartment which, corresponding to the assembly tool 4, can be designed as a plug-in insert. Optionally, more than one assembly tool 4 can be integrated into an instrument component, for example, if both engagements AA' and BB' are tool-releasable and require different assembly tools, in which case at least one of the assembly tools is detachably integrated into the instrument component.

[0052] Fig. 3c Figure 1 shows a less preferred embodiment in which an assembly tool 4 provided for loosening and joining the proximal engagement BB' of the shaft 120, 120' with the handle 110, 110' is integrated into the tool tip 130, 130'. However, the function and dimensions of the tool tip 130, 130' limit the possibilities for integrating an assembly tool 4. The distal engagement AA' of the tool tip 130, 130' with the shaft 120, 120' must be engaged and disengaged manually (e.g., by a bayonet and / or locking engagement), so that after disengaging the tool tip 130, 130' from the shaft 120, 120', the assembly tool 4 is available at the tool tip 130, 130' to engage or disengage the engagement BB' of the handle 110, 110' with the shaft 120, 120'.

[0053] The disassembly concept of a modular surgical instrument system 1 according to the invention, comprising at least two instrument sets consisting of a tool tip, shaft, and handle, can provide that each instrument component of each set can have an assembly tool 4 in one of the embodiments described above, so that each surgical instrument 10 assembled from the modular surgical instrument system 1 has an instrument component with an integrated assembly tool 4 for disassembly according to one of the embodiments described above. Fig. 3a, b, c shown variants.

[0054] Fig. 4 Illustrated in two examples a) and b) further disassembly concepts for surgical instruments 10, 10', 10" of a modular instrument system 1, comprising at least two instrument sets with tool tips 130, 130', shafts 120, 120' and handles 110, 110'. Fig. 4a This illustrates a further embodiment of an instrument system 1 according to the invention, in which two tool-releasable surgical instruments 10" can be assembled from the instrument components, in each case where both engagement points AA' and BB' are designed as tool-releasable connections. In the Fig. 4b In the further alternative embodiment of an instrument system 1 according to the invention, a first surgical instrument 10, which has an instrument component with an assembly tool 4, and a second tool-free surgical instrument 10', in which none of the instrument components has an assembly tool, can be assembled from the instrument components of the instrument system 1.

[0055] In the example of Fig. 4a ,Figure 1 shows two tool-releasable surgical instruments 10" of an instrument system 1. Both the distal engagement AA' of shaft 120, 120' and tool tip 130, 130' and the proximal engagement BB' of shaft 120, 120' and handle 110, 110' are designed as tool-releasable connections. Furthermore, each handle 110, 110' has a non-releasable assembly tool 4, which is designed to release engagement AA' of shaft 120, 120' and tool tip 130, 130' as well as engagement BB' of shaft 120, 120' and handle 110, 110'. Thus, the assembly tool 4 of each handle 110, 110' (both in its unassembled state and in a state where it is attached) can be used to remove the assembly tool 4. The tool-removable instrument 10" (installed state) can be used to release (or join) the interventions A-A'. BB' of the respective other tool-removable surgical instrument 10".In an alternative embodiment not shown, the handles 110, 110' of the instrument system 1 can each have two assembly tools 4, one of which can be for loosening and joining the distal engagement AA' and a second for loosening the proximal engagement BB'.

[0056] In the Fig. 4b The surgical instruments 10, 10' shown, the first surgical instrument 10 accordingly Fig. 3a A manually releasable engagement BB' of a shaft 120, 120' with a handle 110, 110', which incorporates the integrated assembly tool 4. This assembly tool 4 can be used not only to release the distal engagement AA' of the shaft 120, 120' with the tool tip 130, 130' of the first surgical instrument 10, but also the distal engagement AA' and the proximal engagement BB' of the second, tool-free surgical instrument 10'. Possible alternatives, in which the first surgical instrument 10 is arranged according to one of the examples in [reference missing], are not shown. Fig. 3b oder 3c can be executed.

[0057] In a disassembly concept accordingly Fig. 4a The inclusion of at least two instrument sets can, of course, also include variants in which an integrated assembly tool is provided on the shaft 120, 120' or, in particular, on its proximal end piece 121, 121', or possibly on the tool tip 130, 130', in order to release the engagements A-A', BB' of another instrument 10" assembled from instrument system 1. Integration of the assembly tool 4 into the shaft 120, 120' or its proximal end piece 121, 121' is possible here, since the assembly tool 4 of one surgical instrument 10" releases the engagements A-A', BB' of the other surgical instrument 10".

[0058] Naturally, a modular instrument system can also comprise more than two sets, i.e., more than two tool tips, shafts, and handles each, which can be combined to form more than two surgical instruments. Furthermore, the number of each component—tool tips, shafts, and handles—does not have to be the same; for example, the number of handles or tool tips could exceed the number of shafts.

[0059] Examples of integrated assembly tools include wrenches such as open-end wrenches, box-end wrenches, ratcheting box-end wrenches, sockets with external or internal hexagon, external or internal Torx (TORX®), external or internal spline, as well as slotted and Phillips screwdrivers and pliers. Other assembly tools, including custom-designed ones, are also conceivable. Each assembly tool can be in the form of an engagement profile that is integrally integrated into a functional element of the component (e.g., handle housing, knob, etc.), or as a tool element that, like a Swiss Army knife, is pivotally mounted in a storage compartment or can be inserted and removed from the respective instrument component (e.g., handle).

[0060] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows an example of an assembly tool 4 integrated into the handle 110 (whose handle housing 111 is only indicated) with an internal hexagon socket as an engagement profile 40, which is formed in the knob 112 of a knurled screw. The knurled screw can be provided for manually securing the proximal end of the shaft 120 in the handle 110. The engagement AA', which in this example is a screw connection between the tool tip 130, from which in Fig. 5 Only the distal approach of a tool or pliers insert 132 is shown, and is designed for the distal end of the shaft 120. For this purpose, an additional connecting element associated with the tool or pliers insert 132 has a corresponding drive profile 30, which in the illustrated example is a hexagonal nut or cap nut.

[0061] A mounting tool 4 swung out from a receiving compartment 113 in the handle housing 111 is in Fig. 6 The mounting tool 4 is shown swung into the receiving compartment 113, indicated by a dashed line. Here, the mounting tool 4 is an open-end wrench with a wrench jaw as an engagement profile 40, which is also suitable for loosening a screw connection with a corresponding drive profile.

[0062] Of course, modifications of the assembly tool that differ from the examples shown and are not depicted here are also included, using other of the above-mentioned engagement profiles for loosening and joining corresponding drive profiles.

[0063] Not shown, but also covered by the scope of protection, are further embodiments which may, for example, have both of the aforementioned assembly tool variants, or which include an assembly tool that can be detached from the component and which can, for example, be inserted into and removed from a correspondingly shaped insert slot.

[0064] The steps of an assembly and disassembly method according to the invention relate to the assembly of the instrument components of an instrument system 1 according to the invention in order to provide a ready-to-use surgical instrument 10, 10', 10" and to the disassembly of the respective surgical instrument 10, 10', 10" into its instrument components in order to clean and disinfect them for reuse after use. During both assembly and disassembly, the instrument component is provided with the assembly tool 4, which, during the assembly of the surgical instrument 10, 10', 10" is used to create at least one engagement – ​​the engagement AA' of the distal connecting partners A, A' or the engagement BB' of the proximal connecting partners B, B'. The same engagement AA' or BB' is correspondingly released during the disassembly of the surgical instrument 10, 10', 10" using the assembly tool 4.Which intervention can be resolved and joined with the assembly tool, and also further steps of the procedure depend on the embodiment of the modular surgical instrument system 1 according to the invention and the instruments 10, 10', 10" that can be assembled with it.

[0065] If an instrument system according to the invention comprises 1 instrument components for assembling a surgical instrument 10 according to Fig. 3a The assembly procedure includes the following steps: Providing the handle 110, 110', which has the integrated assembly tool 4 designed to interact with at least one of the distal connection partners A, A' (tool tip 130, 130' and distal end of the shaft 120, 120°); and using the assembly tool 4, making the engagement AA' of the distal connection partners A, A' such that the tool tip 130, 130° is mechanically stable with reduced play connected to the distal end of the shaft 120, 120'; completing the assembly and obtaining the ready-to-use surgical instrument 10 by manually making the engagement BB' of the proximal connection partners B, B', whereby the proximal end of the shaft 120, 120' is manually connected without tools to the handle 110, 110', which has the integrated assembly tool 4.

[0066] The procedure for disassembling this surgical instrument 10 includes the following steps: Providing the handle 110, 110', which has the integrated assembly tool 4, by manually, without tools, releasing the engagement BB' of the proximal connection partners B, B', whereby the handle 110, 110', which has the integrated assembly tool 4, is separated from the proximal end of the shaft 120, 120', using the assembly tool 4 releasing the engagement AA' of the distal connection partners A, A', so that the tool tip 130, 130' is separated from the distal end of the shaft 120, 120'; completing the disassembly and obtaining separate instrument components for further processing, which may include cleaning and disinfection for reuse.

[0067] The procedure steps for assembling and disassembling a surgical instrument 10 according to Fig. 3c They differ in that the instrument component comprising the assembly tool 4 is the tool tip 130, 130', whose engagement AA' with the distal end of the shaft 120, 120' is designed to be manually releasable, while the assembly tool 4 is designed to interact with one of the proximal connection partners B, B', i.e., the proximal end of the shaft 120, 120' and the handle 110, 110'. During assembly, the tool tip 130, 130' is provided with the assembly tool 4 to insert the engagement BB' between the proximal end of the shaft 120, 120' and the handle 110, 110', after which the tool tip 130, 130' is manually brought into engagement AA' with the distal end of the shaft 120, 120', so that the ready-to-use surgical instrument 10 is provided.During disassembly, the engagement AA' of the tool tip 130, 130' with the distal end of the shaft 120, 120' is released to provide the instrument component with the assembly tool 4, which releases the engagement BB' between the proximal end of the shaft 120, 120' and the handle 110, 110' in order to allow the separated instrument components to be further processed for reuse. Slightly different from this, the procedure for assembling a surgical instrument 10 according to Fig. 3b ,which also applies accordingly to embodiments in which the detachable assembly tool 4 is not arranged on the handle, but on the tool tip or the shaft or its proximal end piece, the steps are: providing the handle 110, 110' with a detachable assembly tool 4 which is designed to interact with one of the distal connection partners A, A' and to interact with one of the connection partners B, B'; manually detaching the assembly tool 4 from the handle 110, 110'; Using the assembly tool 4, engage AA' the distal connection partners A, A' and engage BB' the proximal connection partners B, B', so that the tool tip 130, 130° is mechanically stably connected with reduced play to the distal end of the shaft 120, 120' and the proximal end of the shaft 120, 120° to the handle 110, 110';Completion of the assembly and obtaining the ready-to-use surgical instrument 10 by manually positioning the assembly tool 4 on the handle 110, 110'. ;

[0068] The procedure for disassembling this surgical instrument 10 includes the following steps: Manually detach the assembly tool 4 from the handle 110, 110'; using the assembly tool 4, release the engagement AA' of the distal connecting partners A, A' and the engagement BB' of the distal connecting partners B, B' so that the tool tip 130, 130' is separated from the distal end of the shaft 120, 120' and the proximal end of the shaft 120, 120' is separated from the handle 110, 110'; provide the handle 110, 110', which has the integrated assembly tool 4, by manually positioning the assembly tool 4 on the handle 110, 110'; complete the disassembly and obtain separate instrument components for further processing, which may include cleaning and disinfection for reuse.

[0069] Further embodiments of the method according to the invention relate to the instrument systems according to the invention. Fig. 4a und 4b . The surgical instrument system 1 according to Fig. 4b contains at least one set of instrument components for a first surgical instrument 10 according to the examples from Fig. 3a, b, c, Therefore, with regard to the assembly and disassembly procedures for this first surgical instrument 10, the above statements apply accordingly. Furthermore, the surgical instrument system 1, according to Fig. 4b at least one set of instrument components for a second surgical instrument 10', in which no instrument component includes an assembly tool. The engagements AA' and BB' between the instrument components of this second, toolless surgical instrument 10' are designed to interact with the assembly tool 4 of the first surgical instrument 10, such that a method for assembling the second toolless surgical instrument 10' comprises the following steps: Providing the handle 110, 110' of the first surgical instrument 10, which has the integrated assembly tool 4; and using the assembly tool 4 of the first surgical instrument 10, performing the engagement AA' of the distal connecting partners A, A' of the second toolless surgical instrument 10' and performing the engagement BB' of the proximal connecting partners BB' of the second toolless surgical instrument 10'; obtaining the ready-to-use second surgical instrument 10'.

[0070] Accordingly, the procedure for disassembling such a tool-free surgical instrument 10' comprises the following steps: Providing the handle 110, 110' of the first surgical instrument 10, which has the integrated assembly tool 4, using the assembly tool 4 to release the engagement AA' of the distal connecting partners A, A' of the second, toolless surgical instrument 10' and to release the engagement BB' of the proximal connecting partners BB' of the second, toolless surgical instrument 10'; the separate instrument components are preserved for further treatment.

[0071] For the assembly of at least two 10" surgical instruments according to Fig. 4a An instrument system 1 according to the invention comprises at least one first and second handle 110, 110°, one first and second shaft 120, 120', and one first and second tool tip 130, 130° as instrument components. In these surgical instruments 10", all interfaces A-A', BB' are designed as tool-releasable (or joinable) connections, wherein the assembly tool 4 is permanently attached to an instrument component. In this example, each handle 110, 110' has a permanently attached assembly tool 4. The method for assembling such a tool-releasable surgical instrument 10" from a first handle 110, 110', a first shaft 120, 120', and a first tool tip 130, 130' comprises the following steps: Providing the second handle 110, 110', which has the integrated assembly tool 4, in a state assembled or unassembled with a surgical instrument 10", wherein the assembly tool 4 of the second handle 110, 110' is configured to interact with one of the distal connection partners A, A', which are the first tool tip 130, 130' and the distal end of the first shaft 120, 120', and to interact with one of the proximal connection partners B, B', which are the proximal end of the first shaft 120, 120' and the first handle 110, 110'; using the assembly tool 4 of the second handle 110, 110', forming the engagement AA' of the first tool tip 130, 130' with the distal end of the first shaft 120, 120'; using the Assembly tool 4 of the second handle 110, 110' Making the engagement BB' of the proximal end of the first shaft 120, 120' with the first handle 110, 110'.

[0072] The steps for assembling another 10" detachable surgical instrument from the second handle 110, 110', the second shaft 120, 120', and the second tool tip 130, 130' include, accordingly, using the assembly tool 4 of the first handle 110, 110' to join the engagements A-A', BB' between the second handle 110, 110', the second shaft 120, 120', and the second tool tip 130, 130'. In principle, the assembly of the 10" detachable surgical instruments is always carried out using an assembly tool 4 of an instrument component that is not part of the assembled 10" detachable surgical instrument.

[0073] Accordingly, the disassembly of a tool-removable surgical instrument 10" is always carried out using an assembly tool 4 of an instrument component that is not part of the tool-removable surgical instrument 10" to be disassembled. With regard to the example from Fig. 4aThe steps for disassembling a tool-removable surgical instrument 10", which is composed of a first handle 110, 110', a first shaft 120, 120' and a first tool tip 130, 130', include: Providing the second handle 110, 110', which has the integrated assembly tool 4, in a state assembled or unassembled with a surgical instrument 10", wherein the assembly tool 4 of the second handle 110, 110' is configured to interact with one of the distal connection partners A, A', which are the first tool tip 130, 130' and the distal end of the first shaft 120, 120', and to interact with one of the proximal connection partners B, B', which are the proximal end of the first shaft 120, 120' and the first handle 110, 110'; using the assembly tool 4 of the second handle 110, 110', releasing the engagement AA' of the first tool tip 130, 130' with the distal end of the first shaft 120, 120'; using the Assembly tool 4 of the second handle 110, 110' Release of the engagement BB' of the proximal end of the first shaft 120, 120' with the first handle 110, 110'.

[0074] Similarly, the disassembly of another tool-removable surgical instrument 10" from the second handle 110, 110', the second shaft 120, 120' and the second tool tip 130, 130' is carried out using the assembly tool 4 of the first handle 110, 110' to release the engagements A-A', BB' between the second handle 110, 110', the second shaft 120, 120' and the second tool tip 130, 130'.

[0075] Corresponding procedural steps apply to modifications of this embodiment of the instrument system 1 in which each handle has two assembly tools, one each for the respective engagement A-A', B-B', or in which the assembly tool 4 is not located on the handle, but on the tool tip or the shaft or its proximal end piece. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0076] 1 Modular surgical instrument system 10, 10', 10" Modular surgical instrument 110, 110' Handle 111 Handle housing 112 Rotary knob 113 Receptacle, recess 120, 120' Shank 121, 121' Proximal end piece 122' Irrigation port 130, 130' Tool tip 131 Actuating element 132 Tool insert 30 Drive profile (on one of the connecting partners or additional connecting element) 4 Mounting tool 40 Grip profile A, A'Distal connection partners: tool tip and distal end of the shaft. B, B'Proximal connection partners: handle and proximal end of the shaft. C'Detachable arrangement of the assembly tool. L'Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A surgical instrument system (1) comprising the following instrument components: - at least one tool tip (130, 130'), - at least one shaft (120, 120') and - at least one handle (110, 110'), wherein the tool tip (130, 130') and a distal end of the shaft (120, 120') are in the form of distal mating elements (A, A') which can be connected in releasable engagement (A-A'), and a proximal end of the shaft (120, 120') and the handle (110, 110') are in the form of proximal mating elements (B, B') which can be connected in releasable engagement (B-B'), characterised in that at least one of the instrument components comprises an integrated assembly tool (4) which is designed to cooperate with at least one of the distal mating elements (A, A') or one of the proximal mating elements (B, B') to release or establish the engagement (A-A') of the cooperating distal mating element (A, A') and / or the engagement (B-B') of the cooperating proximal mating element (B, B').

2. The surgical instrument system (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that a first surgical instrument (10), which can be configured from at least one first set of the instrument components of the surgical instrument system (1), has the instrument component with the integrated assembly tool (4) as one of the distal mating elements (A, A') or the proximal mating elements (B, B'), wherein - the engagement (A-A') or the engagement (B-B') of the instrument component, which has the integrated assembly tool (4), can be manually released from and established with the respective distal mating element (A, A') or proximal mating element (B, B') assigned to the instrument component with the integrated assembly tool (4), or - the assembly tool (4) is present on the instrument component in a manually releasable manner and is designed to cooperate with one of the distal mating elements (A, A') and one of the proximal mating elements (B, B') to release or establish the engagement (A-A') of the cooperating distal mating element (A, A') and the engagement (B-B') of the cooperating proximal mating element (B, B').

3. The surgical instrument system (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the surgical instrument system (1) has at least one second set of instrument components from which a second surgical instrument (10', 10") can be configured, and at least one further instrument component which is a tool tip (130, 130') or a shaft (120, 120') or a handle (110, 110') and which has the integrated assembly tool (4), which is designed to cooperate with one of the distal mating elements (A, A') and with one of the proximal mating elements (B, B') of the second surgical instrument (10', 10") to release or establish the engagement (A-A') of the cooperating distal mating element (A, A') and the engagement (B-B') of the cooperating proximal mating element (B, B') of the second surgical instrument (10', 10").

4. The surgical instrument system (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the first set for configuring the first surgical instrument (10) has the further instrument component with the integrated assembly tool (4), and the second surgical instrument (10') is a tool-free surgical instrument (10') that does not have an instrument component with the assembly tool (4).

5. The surgical instrument system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that - the instrument component with the integrated assembly tool (4) is the handle (110, 110'), the engagement (B-B') of which with the proximal end of the shaft (120, 120') can be manually released, wherein the assembly tool (4) is designed to cooperate with one of the distal mating elements (A, A') to release or establish the engagement (A-A') of the cooperating distal mating element (A, A'); or - the instrument component with the integrated assembly tool (4) is the tool tip (130, 130'), the engagement (A-A') of which with the distal end of the shaft (120, 120') can be manually released, wherein the assembly tool (4) is designed to cooperate with one of the proximal mating elements (B, B') to release or establish the engagement (B-B') of the cooperating proximal mating element (B, B'); or - the instrument component with the integrated assembly tool (4) is the handle (110, 110') or the shaft (120, 120') or the tool tip (130, 130'), wherein the assembly tool (4) is connected to the instrument component in a manually releasable manner and is designed to cooperate with one of the distal mating elements (A, A') and with one of the proximal mating elements (B, B') to release or establish the engagement (A-A') of the cooperating distal mating element (A, A') and the engagement (B-B') of the cooperating proximal mating element (B, B').

6. The surgical instrument system (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the surgical instrument system (1) for configuring at least two second surgical instruments (10") has at least two second sets, wherein each second set is assigned to the further instrument component with the assembly tool (4) of the other set, and wherein the assembly tool (4) is present on the further instrument component in a non-releasable manner, and the assembly tool (4) of the one second surgical instrument (10") is designed to cooperate with one of the distal mating elements (A, A') and with one of the proximal mating elements (B, B') of the respectively other second surgical instrument (10") to release or establish the engagement (A-A') of the cooperating distal mating element (A, A') and the engagement (B-B') of the cooperating proximal mating element (B, B') of the respectively other second surgical instrument (10").

7. The surgical instrument system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the assembly tool (4) has an engagement profile (40) and the cooperating distal mating element (A, A') or proximal mating element (B, B') has a drive profile (30) that corresponds to the engagement profile (40).

8. The surgical instrument system (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that - the engagement profile (40) of the assembly tool (4) is designed in a functional element (112) of the instrument component which has a basic function that differs from the assembly function, or - the assembly tool (4) is provided by a tool element, which has the engagement profile (40), wherein the tool element is arranged on the instrument component in a pivotable or releasable manner or is received in a recess (113) of the instrument component.

9. The surgical instrument system (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that - the functional element (112) of the instrument component with the basic function that differs from the assembly function is a knob (112) on a knurled screw, which is arranged in the handle (110, 110') for manually securing the proximal end of the shaft (120, 120'); or - the recess (113) is a receiving compartment (113) which is adapted to the assembly tool (4) and which is formed in a grip housing (111) of the handle (110, 110').

10. The surgical instrument system (1) according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the engagement profile (40) - corresponds to a wrench tool profile from the group comprising external or internal polygonal profile, external or internal multi-lobed profile, or external or internal multi-spline profile, or - corresponds to a screwdriver tool profile for flat-head or Phillips screws, or - corresponds to a forceps, or - a customised tool profile that differs from the wrench tool profile, the screwdriver tool profile and the forceps.

11. A dismantleable surgical instrument (10, 10', 10") comprising a tool tip (130, 130'), a shaft (120, 120') and a handle (110, 110') as instrument components, wherein the tool tip (130, 130') and a distal end of the shaft (120, 120') are in releasable engagement (A-A') as distal mating elements (A, A'), and a proximal end of the shaft (120, 120') and the handle (110, 110') are in releasable engagement (B-B') as proximal mating elements (B, B'), characterised in that the dismantleable surgical instrument (10, 10', 10") is configured from the instrument components of a surgical instrument system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for assembling and disassembling a surgical instrument (10, 10', 10") according to claim 11, which can be configured and dismantled from the instrument components of a surgical instrument system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps - Providing the instrument component with the assembly tool (4), which is designed to cooperate with at least one of the distal mating elements (A, A') or one of the proximal mating elements (B, B'), and - Using the assembly tool (4) during the assembly of the surgical instrument (10, 10', 10"), establishing at least the engagement (A-A') of the distal mating elements (A, A') or the engagement (B-B') of the proximal mating elements (B, B'), and during disassembly of the surgical instrument (10, 10', 10"), releasing at least the engagement (A-A') of the distal mating elements (A, A') or the engagement (B-B') of the proximal mating elements (B, B').