SLIDE DEVICE FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a sliding device for a surgical instrument with at least two instruments and to a surgical instrument with two instruments, comprising a sliding device. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Surgical instruments are used for a variety of applications. For example, they can be used in minimally invasive surgery and incorporate a surgical tool. Surgical instruments can be designed as resectoscopes and have a working element, such as a guide for the surgical tool, like an electrode.

[0003] Resectoscopes are particularly well-known for urological and gynecological applications. The working element, with its electrode, can be inserted through the urethra into the patient's body and into the surgical area. At its distal end (i.e., furthest from the user), the electrode has, for example, a cutting loop used to remove tissue. The removed tissue is then flushed away via an irrigation channel, which is guided to the surgical area through an inlet channel and then removed through an outlet channel. The inlet and outlet channels allow for continuous irrigation, which also serves to maintain a clear viewing window, ensuring unobstructed endoscopic visualization at all times.

[0004] Surgical instruments generally feature a handle with a slide that is mounted to slide along a longitudinal axis of the instrument and is connected to the surgical tool. When an instrument, such as an electrode, is inserted into the working element, the cutting loop of the electrode can be moved axially by moving the slide, for example, to remove tissue.

[0005] Various instruments, such as electrodes, laser fibers, or similar devices, can be inserted into the surgical instrument. To use the instrument within the surgical instrument, the slider must be attached to the instrument so that the instrument can be moved within the surgical instrument by the movement of the slider.

[0006] The use of different instruments within a single surgical instrument, which requires the insertion and removal of the different instruments, takes time.

[0007] US 9,474,438 B2 discloses an endoscope with a working element configured to carry at least one first instrument and one second instrument. The working element may have at least one guide rail extending along the axis of rotation, and an actuating block may be slidably mounted on the at least one guide rail and attached to at least one of the instruments to move the at least one of the inner instruments longitudinally along the outer protective sheath.

[0008] DE 10 2015 016099 A1 discloses a resectoscope with an electrode which is electrically contacted with its proximal end region on a coupling body with a cable terminating therein, wherein the coupling body is detachably arranged in a slide which is longitudinally displaceable on the resectoscope and wherein the electrode can be locked by means of a locking element, wherein the electrode can be locked on the coupling body. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Against this background, the present invention aims to optimize the use of at least two instruments in a surgical instrument. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a sliding device with the features of claim 1 and / or by a surgical instrument with the features of claim 17.

[0010] Accordingly, the following is planned: A sliding device for a surgical instrument with at least two instruments, comprising a sliding base, a kinematic unit configured for actuation, a first sliding module configured for coupling to a first instrument, and a second sliding module configured for coupling to a second instrument, wherein the two sliding modules are displaceable relative to each other and can be coupled individually to the kinematic unit for use with the first or the second instrument, and wherein the first sliding module and the second sliding module can be fixed to the sliding base when not in use. A surgical instrument with two instruments comprising a sliding device. The instruments can be coupled independently of each other to the kinematic unit via the sliding modules.

[0011] The insight underlying the present invention is that a slide can be coupled with different instruments of a surgical instrument without having to install or remove the instruments.

[0012] The underlying idea of ​​the present invention is to design the slide in multiple parts, thereby providing at least two slide modules. Each of these slide modules is coupled to an instrument. If one instrument is to be used, the corresponding slide module is coupled to a kinematic unit of the surgical instrument. The instrument can then be used as usual. If the other instrument is to be used, the other slide module can be coupled to the kinematic unit. A modular, and in particular split, slide design is therefore proposed.

[0013] In other words, the instruments can be coupled to the kinematic unit independently or selectively. The slide module can also be designed for more than two different instruments or be divided into multiple sections, with each instrument being independently coupled to the kinematic unit. Thus, more than two slide modules can be provided, each configured as described.

[0014] The kinematic unit can, for example, form part of the slide itself. Furthermore, a thumb ring, handle, or similar device can be attached to the kinematic unit, allowing the corresponding slide module to be moved back and forth.

[0015] The kinematic unit is designed for actuation. This means, in particular, that the kinematic unit can be moved along a longitudinal direction of the surgical instrument, which especially forms a predetermined axis. The kinematic unit can therefore be used to control the movement of the instruments.

[0016] The slide base can be arranged, in particular, on a side of the slide device opposite a distal end of the surgical instrument. Preferably, the slide base is arranged on a side surface of the slide device. In particular, the slide base can form a side surface of the slide device. The slide base can be designed as a planar element, in particular as a plate element.

[0017] The kinematic unit can be arranged adjacent to the slide base. The kinematic unit can comprise part of a housing, a thumb ring, or other elements that are displaced along a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument when it is used. Preferably, the kinematic unit can be moved away from the slide base, and the slide modules can also be moved away from the slide base by the kinematic unit. This allows the selected instrument to be used.

[0018] The carriage base is specifically designed as a stationary carriage base. This means, in particular, that the carriage base is fixed in position, while the kinematic unit can move or shift relative to the carriage base. Since the carriage modules can be coupled to the kinematic unit, the carriage modules can be shifted or moved relative to the stationary carriage base.

[0019] The first slide module is designed for coupling with a first instrument. This means, in particular, that the first instrument can be fixed to the first slide module. This can be achieved, for example, via at least one guide sleeve that is fixed to the first slide module and in which the first instrument can be guided. Alternatively or additionally, fastening means can be provided with which the first instrument is attached to the first slide module. A movement of the first slide module can therefore be directly transmitted to the first instrument. The descriptions given also apply to the second slide module with the second instrument.

[0020] The instruments can be electrodes, laser fibers, or similar devices. For example, an electrode, perhaps in combination with a needle, particularly for injecting tissue, can be combined with a laser fiber in a surgical instrument.

[0021] The surgical instrument in question could be a resectoscope. Its use with other surgical instruments is also conceivable.

[0022] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the further sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, only one of the slide modules can be coupled at a time. This allows one instrument to be selected while at least one other instrument can be stored in the surgical instrument without interfering with the use of the other instrument. The instruments can be guided parallel to each other and / or in sockets. Each instrument can be guided in a type of sleeve, with the sockets being coupled to and moving with the slide module. The slide module can be coupled to the kinematic unit, for example, by at least one mechanical or magnetic connecting element, in particular by a positive-locking or force-locking connection between the kinematic unit and the respective slide module.While one slide module is coupled to the kinematic unit, all other slide modules are preferably not coupled to the kinematic unit. Therefore, a desired instrument can be selected for use with the surgical instrument, such as a resectoscope.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the kinematic unit can be configured to move the slide modules along a predetermined axis. The predetermined axis runs, in particular, in the longitudinal direction of the surgical instrument. Specifically, the predetermined axis is aligned parallel to the instrument guide. In particular, each slide module can move axially in the longitudinal direction of the surgical instrument.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first and second slide modules can be selectively fixed individually or together to the slide base. The slide base can, in particular, contact and / or fix the at least two slide modules independently of one another. For example, the slide base can have several recesses, each of which can hold one slide module. This can be achieved, for example, by means of retaining elements. Furthermore, magnetic areas can be provided on the slide base so that the retaining elements can be held magnetically at desired positions on the slide base.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, each slide module can therefore have retaining means designed to hold the respective slide module to the slide base. Advantageously, each slide module can then be held to or released from the slide base separately. The selection of the respective slide module or instrument can be effected via an actuating element.

[0027] The retaining element can be a locking element, an eyelet element, a spreading element, or something similar. Furthermore, the retaining element can be at least partially magnetic, so that it can be held to the base of the slide by magnetic force, for example, by means of electromagnetic coupling.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the retaining means can provide axial locking in a displacement direction of the respective slide module. This displacement direction can coincide with the predetermined axis. Advantageously, each slide module can be contacted with and / or fixed to the slide base on a side surface. Therefore, if the axial locking is released, the slide modules can be removed from the slide base independently of one another. The slide module with the unused instrument can remain fixed to the slide base by the separate axial locking mechanism.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, in a force-free initial state, both slide modules can be held at the slide base by their respective retaining means. In other words, this provides a so-called locked initial state in which neither instrument can move away from the slide base. This provides a safeguard, preventing unintended use of the instruments as well as damage to the instruments, particularly from uncontrolled extension from the instrument shaft.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the retaining means can be self-resetting. In particular, each retaining means can have a spring element. For example, each spring element can be mounted in a guide groove such that it acts as a compression spring against its respective retaining means. The self-resetting effect ensures that, in an unloaded initial state, the slide modules are locked against the slide base, thus preventing the instruments from being ejected from the surgical instrument in an uncontrolled manner.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, an actuating element can be provided for releasing the first or second slide module from the slide base. The actuating element is preferably arranged laterally on the slide assembly so that it can be easily reached by an operator during use of the surgical instrument. The actuating element is preferably arranged such that it can be reached with a finger when an operator holds the surgical instrument against a handle.

[0032] Advantageously, the actuating element has a dual function. On the one hand, the actuating element can detach a slide module from the slide base, and on the other hand, it can couple the same slide module to the kinematic unit.

[0033] This advantageously creates functional integration. The actuating element can form a positive-lock coupling with the corresponding slide module to transfer forces from the kinematic unit to the slide module. Similarly, the actuating element can also transmit force from the kinematic unit to the slide module and thus to the instrument, allowing the movement of the kinematic unit to be transferred to the instrument.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuating element can be designed as a mechanical slide or as an electromagnetic switch. The actuating element can therefore be understood as a control element that is moved mechanically or as an actuator that can be controlled electromagnetically. The slide or switch can be contacted with one of the slide modules to release it from the slide base. The respective instrument can be selected by moving the slide or switch back and forth. For this purpose, detent positions can be provided for the slide or switch, for example, to allow for easy selection of a specific position even without the operator having visual contact with the switch or slide.

[0035] The actuating element can further be designed as a type of eccentric or lever, which can, in particular, perform a rotary or pivoting movement. The eccentric or lever can preferably be controlled and operated with just one finger of one hand. It can, in particular, be pivotable by up to 180° or even up to 360° to release the first or second slide module from the slide base and couple it to the kinematic unit. Specifically, the lever or eccentric can be moved from a first vertical orientation, for coupling with the first slide module, to a horizontal orientation, for releasing both slide modules, and to a second vertical orientation, for coupling with the second slide module.

[0036] The lever can have a guide extension with a projection, the projection being designed to contact the first or second slide module, particularly by rotation of the lever. The first and second slide modules can each have a recess into which the projection can engage. This allows each slide module to be selectively coupled to the kinematic unit by the lever.

[0037] The lever also has the same characteristics as the slider mentioned above.

[0038] In another embodiment, the actuating element can be designed as a remote-controlled operating unit. This can also be accessed from a position located away from the surgical instrument.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuating element can be displaceable transversely to the predetermined axis. This prevents the instrument from being displaced axially by operating the actuating element. Such a direction of movement can also be achieved by a toggle switch that can be tilted about the predetermined axis.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuating element can have a guide extension that is guided in a respective guide groove of the first and second slide modules. The retaining means can also be mounted in the guide groove, so that the actuating element, in particular the guide extension, can directly contact each retaining means. By contacting a retaining means, the guide extension can selectively move the retaining means in the guide groove, thereby enabling the release or fixation of the retaining means at the base of the slide and its coupling with the kinematic unit.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment, the guide groove can be oriented transversely to the predetermined axis. In particular, the orientation of the guide groove determines the direction of movement of the actuating element.

[0042] Preferably, the guide groove is also formed in a housing of the slide device, wherein the operating element can be arranged on the outside of the housing and is guided through the guide groove with its guide extension in order to contact the two slide modules or the retaining means. The housing can also be part of the kinematic unit and move at least partially with the respective slide module.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuating element can be designed to release the retaining means in order to detach one of the slide modules from the slide base and couple it with the kinematic unit. For example, the actuating element can release a positive connection between a retaining means and the slide base.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, each retaining element can have a locking lug, wherein, by moving the actuating element, one of the locking lugs is released from the slide base, and the other locking lug remains engaged with the slide base. The locking lug creates such a positive locking connection. Each locking lug can be guided through a recess in the slide base and engage with an undercut in the slide base. To release the locking lug from the undercut, the respective retaining element can be moved within its guide, thereby allowing the locking lug to be moved within the recess in the slide base. This allows the locking lug to be moved out of the recess, thus releasing the slide module from the slide base.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment, the slide modules can be mounted in a multi-part housing, wherein a first housing part forms the slide base and a second housing part forms part of the kinematic unit. For example, a housing side wall located furthest from the distal end of the surgical instrument can form the slide base. The remainder of the housing, which together with the housing side wall forming the slide base can completely enclose a volume, can form part of the kinematic unit. The housing can completely enclose the slide modules and, for example, have a cuboid shape.

[0046] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

[0047] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. These figures show: Fig. 1 a side view of a surgical instrument with a slide device; Fig. 2 a detail view from Fig. 1 in an isometric view; Fig. 3 a further detailed view from Fig. 1 in a side view; Fig. 4 a detail view of a slide device; Fig. 5a a sectional view through one embodiment of a slide device; Fig. 5b a sectional view through another embodiment of a slide device; Fig. 6 another sectional view through an embodiment of a slide device; Fig. 7 a detail view of a slide device; Fig. 8 two detail views of an actuating element; Fig. 9 another side view of a slide device in two states; Fig. 10 a side view of a surgical instrument with a slide device; Fig. 11 a detail view from Fig. 10 in a perspective view; Fig. 12 another detail view from Fig. 10 in a side view; Fig. 13 a detailed view of the slide device made of Fig. 10 ; Fig. 14 a sectional view through the embodiment of the slide device made of Fig. 10 ; Fig. 15 another sectional view through the embodiment of the slide device made of Fig. 10 ; Fig. 16 a detailed view of the slide device from Fig. 10 ; Fig. 17 a detailed view of an actuating element in one possible embodiment.

[0048] The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention.

[0049] They illustrate embodiments and serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0050] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and similarly acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0051] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a side view of a surgical instrument with a slide assembly 1. Two instruments 3 and 5 are arranged within the surgical instrument, both of which are coupled to the slide assembly 1. The side view shown is only an external view of the slide assembly 1, where a housing of the slide assembly 1 can form part of a kinematic unit 6. Parts of the handling device, such as a thumb ring 17, are also arranged on the kinematic unit 6. The slide assembly 1 can move along a predetermined axis R1 in the direction of the axis R1, thereby moving a first instrument 3 or a second instrument 5 within an instrument shaft 16. An actuating element 8, located on the housing of the slide assembly 1, is provided to select the desired instrument 3 or 5.

[0052] In Fig. 2 shows a detailed view from Fig. 1 In an isometric view, instruments 3 and 5 are visible, extending from the housing of the slide device 1. The instruments 3 and 5 can be guided in sockets, with the socket moving along with the respective instrument 3 or 5. An arrow on the actuating element 8 indicates the direction in which it can move. In this embodiment, the actuating element 8 is designed as a type of slide and can be moved downwards or upwards, as shown in the illustration.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows another detailed view Fig. 1 in a side view. In this view, the direction of movement on the axis R2 of the slide is shown, which is oriented transversely to a direction of movement along the axis R1. By moving the actuating element 8, an uncontrolled extension of an instrument 3, 5 from the instrument shaft 16 can therefore be prevented.

[0054] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a detailed view of a slide device 1. A side surface of the slide device 1 is visible, which is arranged opposite a distal end of the surgical instrument. The side surface can, for example, be designed as a slide base 7, in particular a stationary slide base 7, and in particular form a side surface of the slide device 1. Two recesses 22 are visible in the slide base 7, in each of which a retaining element 10, 11 is arranged. The retaining element 10, 11 engages with a respective locking lug 12, 13 through the recess 22 and can hook onto an undercut in the recess 22. This allows a locked state to be established, particularly in a force-free initial state.In this state, both instruments 3 and 5 are anchored to the slide base 7, thus preventing either instrument 3 or 5 from slipping out of the instrument shaft 16. Only by moving the actuating element 8 can a first instrument 3 or a second instrument 5 be selected and coupled to the kinematic unit 6. The actuating element can also serve, in particular, to transmit force from the kinematic unit 6 to the selected slide module.

[0055] As an alternative to a locking lug, the retaining element 10, 11 can also have a locking element, which is designed, for example, as a type of eyelet. Furthermore, for example, an expanding element can be used which anchors itself to the slide base 7 by expanding.

[0056] In an embodiment not shown, the retaining elements 10, 11 can also be designed as magnetic retaining elements which hold the respective slide module 2, 4 to the slide base 7 by means of a magnetic force. In such an embodiment, the slide base 7 can also be designed without recesses 22, and in particular may have a magnetic material at least in certain areas.

[0057] Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b Figures 1 and 2 show a sectional view through an embodiment of a slide device 1. Each sectional view shows a longitudinal section through the slide device 1, with only a partial area depicted. The slide base 7, which has two recesses 22, is visible in this partial area. A retaining element 10, 11 is held in each of the recesses 22, with a respective locking lug 12, 13 of each retaining element 10, 11 engaging in the recess 22. For this purpose, an undercut is provided in the recess 22 in which the locking lugs 12, 13 can engage in a form-fitting manner. This depicted situation shows a force-free initial state in which the slide device 1 is locked. The locking can be achieved, for example, by the two retaining elements 10, 11 being designed to be self-resetting.In the illustrated embodiments, spring elements 18 can be provided, with each fault element 18 acting as a compression spring on a retaining element 10, 11. In a force-free initial state, the spring elements 18 therefore press against the retaining elements 10, 11, pressing the retaining elements 10, 11 in the direction of a guide extension 9 of the actuating element 8. If the guide extension 9 is moved upwards or downwards in the illustration, i.e., transversely to the predetermined axis R1, a desired retaining element 10 or 11 can be displaced. This allows the retaining element 10 or 11 to detach from the slide base 7, thereby releasing the slide module 2 or the slide module 4. This allows a desired slide module 2 or 4 to be coupled to the kinematic unit 6.

[0058] The spring elements 18 can be guided in a guide groove 14. As in Fig. 5b The guide extension 9 can also be guided in the guide groove 14, as shown. Furthermore, the guide extension 9 can be guided in a separate guide groove, offset from the spring elements 18, as exemplified in Fig. 5a The guide groove can also be found in housing 15, for example as shown in Figur 7 , be designed so that the guide extension 9 can move from an outside of the housing 15 into the interior of the housing 15 in order to contact or move the slide module 2, 4 or the retaining means 10, 11.

[0059] In one possible embodiment, the respective slide module 2, 4 can therefore be coupled to the kinematic unit 6 via the actuating element 8 and a respective holding element 10, 11, wherein these are guided in a guide groove 14 and can be moved along this guide groove 14. Other embodiments, in particular via a magnetic holder or bearing or similar, are also conceivable.

[0060] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows another sectional view through an embodiment of a slide device 1. The sectional view shows a cross-section passing through the actuating element 8. The shape of the actuating element 8 is recognizable, with the guide extension 9 engaging in the interior of the housing 15.

[0061] The first slide module 2 and the second slide module 4 are arranged one above the other, allowing them to be moved separately and independently. The guide groove 14 runs partially within both the first slide module 2 and the second slide module 4. In its initial, force-free state, the guide extension 9 is located, in particular, at the level of the contact surfaces where the first slide module 2 and the second slide module 4 make contact. This allows even a minimal movement of the actuating element 8 to couple one of the slide modules 2 or 4 to the kinematic unit 6. The guide extension 9 can therefore form a positive-locking connection with the respective slide module to transmit forces from the kinematic unit 6 to the slide module that is decoupled from the slide base 7.

[0062] The slide modules 2 and 4 may incorporate further recesses and components, such as an RF connector 19. Furthermore, recesses may be provided to stabilize the respective slide module 2 or 4 during movement.

[0063] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a detailed view of a slide device 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 8 is designed as a slide, which is shown pushed upwards within the recess 20. This allows the slide module, arranged at the top in this embodiment, and the associated instrument to be coupled to the kinematic unit 6. In this embodiment, the kinematic unit 6 comprises a part of the housing 15. Another part of the housing 15 forms the slide base 7. In this way, a complete housing 15 can be formed that can enclose a volume. A part of the housing 15 can therefore move with the kinematic unit 6 when one of the instruments is in use. The slide base 7 remains stationary in its position, so that the second instrument, which is fixed to the slide base 7, is not moved.

[0064] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows two detailed views of an actuating element 8. The slide shown has a guide extension 9, which projects from an engagement surface 9a. The engagement surface 9a can be reached by an operator with a finger to push the actuating element 8 into the desired position. For this purpose, guides 21 can be provided, for example, which enable the actuating element 8 to be guided securely in the guide groove 14, as shown in Figure 2. Figur 8(a) In Figur 8(b) The attack surface 9a, which can be reached by an operator, is identifiable. This surface may have a contoured, for example ribbed, surface to form a frictional grip with the operator's finger.

[0065] Fig. 9 shows another side view of a slide device 1 in two states. Figur 9(a) shows the condition as in Fig. 7 , where the actuating element 8 is shown shifted upwards. Consequently, the slide module, which is arranged particularly at the top, can be coupled to the kinematic unit 6, while at least one further slide module remains anchored to the slide base 7. In Figur 9 (b) Another state is shown in which the actuating element 8 is depicted shifted downwards. Consequently, a different slide module can be coupled to the kinematic unit, while the previously coupled slide module is re-anchored to the slide base.

[0066] The Figuren 10 bis 17 show another possible embodiment of a slide device 1, in particular the actuating element 8 being shown in a further possible embodiment. This embodiment, with which the features shown in the Figuren 1 bis 9 The embodiment shown is identical, so that not every feature described above is reproduced in detail.

[0067] Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows a side view of a surgical instrument with a slide device 1 in a further embodiment. The actuating element 8 is designed as a lever or eccentric, which can be rotated or pivoted about an axis, particularly manually, to couple one of the slide modules to the kinematic unit. The actuating element 8 can, on the one hand, release a slide module 2, 4 from the slide base 7 and, on the other hand, couple the same slide module 2, 4 to the kinematic unit 6. The kinematic unit 6 can comprise part of a housing 15, a thumb ring 17, or the like.

[0068] The Figuren 11 , 12 and 16 Each shows a detailed view. Fig. 10 in a perspective view or a side view. In this embodiment, the actuating element 8 has a rotation axis 9c and a lever element 23 arranged thereon, the lever element 23 forming at least one contact surface 9a. In particular, two opposing contact surfaces 9a are provided on the lever element 23, so that the lever can be rotated in opposite directions of rotation R3 by pressure, in particular manual pressure with a finger against the lever element 23.

[0069] Fig. 13 shows a detailed view of the slide device 1 from Fig. 10 By rotating the lever about the axis of rotation 9c, one of the slide modules 2, 4 can be released from the slide base 7, whereby the lever element 23 can be rotated along the direction of rotation R3. In particular, the lever element 23 can be pivoted at an angle of up to 180° to release the first or the second slide module 2, 4. The illustration shows the lever or lever element 23 in a first vertical orientation for coupling with the first slide module 2. If the lever or lever element 23 is pivoted to the right, it can be brought into a horizontal orientation to release both slide modules 2, 4. Subsequently, the lever or lever element 23 can be pivoted downwards and brought into a second vertical orientation for coupling with the second slide module 4.

[0070] Fig. 14 shows a sectional view, where the lever or lever element 23 is shown as in Fig. 13 The first slide module 2 is shown in a vertically oriented position. In this configuration, the first slide module 2 is released from the slide base 7, with the locking lug 12 shown detached from the recess 22 of the slide base. This is achieved in particular by a projection 9b that extends from the guide shoulder 9. By rotating the lever and thus rotating the guide extension 9, the projection 9b can be moved to a different circumferential position, whereby either the first slide module 2 or the second slide module 4 can be contacted. The first slide module 2 and the second slide module 4 each have a recess 24 into which the projection can engage.

[0071] In contrast to the representation in the Figuren 5a and 5bTwo spring elements 18 are still provided. This advantageously allows for the compensation of asymmetrical loads. A design with only one spring element 18 is also conceivable.

[0072] Fig. 15 shows a sectional view through the embodiment of the slide device 1, as shown in Fig. 14 The guide extension 9 has a projection 9b in this embodiment. The projection 9b is provided in a partial area of ​​the guide extension 9 in order to couple one of the slide modules 2, 4 to the kinematic unit 6 during a rotational movement of the guide extension 9.

[0073] The projection 9b is designed in particular as a radial projection, so that it can be arranged in different radial directions with respect to the guide extension 9a by rotating the lever.

[0074] The projection 9b can be formed at one end of the guide extension 9 or along the entire length of the guide extension 9. Preferably, however, the projection 9b is provided as an asymmetric element with respect to an axis of rotation on the guide extension 9.

[0075] Preferably, the projection 9b is oriented in the same direction as the lever element 23 or the attack surface 9a of the actuating element 8.

[0076] Fig. 17 shows a detailed view of an actuating element 8 in a possible further embodiment, as also shown in an embodiment of a slide device 1 according to the Figuren 10 bis 16 can be used.

[0077] The guide extension 9 and the projection 9b can have different radii. Likewise, the guide extension 9 and the projection 9b can have the same radius. The radius of the projection 9b is specifically adapted to the radius of a recess 24 in the respective slide base 2, 4, as shown in Fig. 14 shown.

[0078] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, the number of instruments, and thus the number of slide modules, can exceed two. Furthermore, the kinematic unit can have a different geometry; in particular, the housing 15 can have a geometry adapted to the slide modules 2, 4, and possibly further slide modules. The embodiments can also be combined with one another, resulting in further embodiments. In particular, the actuating element 8 can be modified according to the Figuren 10 bis 17 even with only one spring element 18, as in Fig. 5 will be shown and implemented. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0079] 1. Slide device 2. First slide module 3. First instrument 4. Second slide module 5. Second instrument 6. Kinematic unit 7. Slide base 8. Actuating element 9. Guide extension 9a. Contact surface 9b. Projection 9c. Rotation axis 10. Retaining element 11. Retaining element 12. Detent lug 13. Detent lug 14. Guide groove 15. Housing 16. Shaft 17. Thumb ring 18. Spring element 19. HF connector 20. Recess 21. Guide 22. Recess 23. Lever element R1 axis R2 axis R3 direction of rotation

Claims

1. Carriage device (1) for a surgical instrument with at least two instruments (3, 5), having: a carriage base (7); a kinematic unit (6) designed for actuation; a first carriage module (2) designed for coupling to a first instrument (3); and a second carriage module (4) designed for coupling to a second instrument (5), wherein the two carriage modules (2, 4) are movable relative to each other and can be coupled individually to the kinematic unit (6) in order to use the first instrument (3) or the second instrument (5), and wherein the first carriage module (2) and the second carriage module (4) can be fixed to the carriage base (7) when they are not in use.

2. Carriage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that only one of the carriage modules (2, 4) can be coupled at a time.

3. Carriage device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the kinematic unit (6) is designed to move the carriage modules (2, 4) along a predetermined axis (R1).

4. Carriage device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first carriage module (2) and the second carriage module (4) can be selectively fixed individually or together to the carriage base (7).

5. Carriage device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that each carriage module (2, 4) has retention means (10, 11) which are designed to hold the particular carriage module (2, 4) on the carriage base (7).

6. Carriage device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the retention means (10, 11) effect an axial locking in a movement direction of the particular carriage module (2, 4).

7. Carriage device (1) according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that in a force-free initial state, both carriage modules (2, 4) are held on the carriage base (7) by the particular retention means (10, 11).

8. Carriage device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the retention means (10, 11) are designed to be self-resetting, each retention means (10, 11) in particular having a spring element (18).

9. Carriage device (1) according to any of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that an actuating element (8) is provided for releasing the first or the second carriage module (2, 4) from the carriage base (7).

10. Carriage device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuating element (8) is designed as a mechanical slide or as an electromagnetic switch.

11. Carriage device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the actuating element (8) is movable transversely to the predetermined axis (R1).

12. Carriage device (1) according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the actuating element (8) has a guide extension (9) which can be guided in a particular guide groove (14) of the first and second carriage module (2, 4).

13. Carriage device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the guide groove (14) is aligned transversely to the predetermined axis (R1).

14. Carriage device (1) according to any of claims 5 to 8 and any of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the actuating element (8) is designed to release the retention means (10, 11) in order to release one of the carriage modules (2, 4) from the carriage base (7) and to couple it to the kinematic unit (6).

15. Carriage device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the retention means (10, 11) each have a locking lug (12, 13), one of the locking lugs (12, 13) being released from the carriage base (7) by movement of the actuating element (8), and the other locking lug (12, 13) remaining in engagement with the carriage base.

16. Carriage device (1) according to any of claims 4 to 15, characterized in that the carriage modules (2, 4) are mounted in a multipart housing (15), a first housing part forming the carriage base (7), and a second housing part forming part of the kinematic unit (6).

17. Surgical instrument with two instruments (3, 5), comprising a carriage device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the instruments (3, 5) can be coupled to the kinematic unit (6) independently of each other via the carriage modules.