Surgical machines

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an operation instrument that has an external shape in which a pipe part and a handheld-side part are connected via a transition part, and is capable of reducing obstruction of the view of an operator due to the transition part and properly transmitting, to a treatment tool, the precise motion of the handheld-side part handled by the operator. [Solution] An operation instrument 1 has: a pipe part 10 to be inserted into a living body; a handheld-side part 20 extending along a direction non-parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pipe part; a transition part 30 connecting a rear end part of the pipe part and a tip end part of the handheld-side part; and a treatment tool 40 disposed at the tip end part of the pipe part. The operation instrument has: a handling part 50 that is provided to the handheld-side part and handled when the treatment tool is operated; and a transmission member 60 that connects the treatment tool and the handling part and transmits the motion of the handling part to the treatment tool. The transmission member includes a wire 61. The transition part has a hollow pipy shape into which the wire can be inserted, and only the wire is inserted into the transition part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, minimally invasive surgeries using small incisions have become common. In neurosurgery, for example, surgical instruments with treatment tools such as forceps are inserted into the lumen of a transparent tube (sheath) placed inside the brain, and the affected area, such as a brain tumor, is examined through a microscope placed directly above the sheath while treatment is performed using the treatment tools.

[0003] The surgical instruments used in the above-mentioned surgeries include, for example, an operating member held by the surgeon, an elastic member attached to one end of the operating member with its tip crossed, and an open / close member attached to the other end of the operating member, which is crossed at a pivotal support and has a functional section at its tip for incising, resecting, grasping, clamping, and cutting, and the functional section is opened and closed by adjusting the pressure applied to the operating member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of surgical instrument has an external shape in which the axis of the functional section at the tip is offset from the axis of the operating member, and the functional section and operating member are connected via the open / close member. This external shape is intended to ensure visibility during microscopic surgery and to ensure space within the sheath.

[0004] The surgical instrument disclosed in Patent Document 1 has scissors as treatment tools. The scissors can be opened and closed and has an operating member that is operated when opening and closing the scissors.

[0005] Furthermore, an example of a surgical instrument for performing precise surgery in a narrow surgical field via a sheath is a surgical forceps equipped with a gripping portion for inserting the surgeon's fingers and a clamping portion for clamping the affected area (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This type of surgical instrument is made up of a rod-shaped forceps member and has a narrow width, and has an external shape in which the clamping portion at the tip and the gripping portion are connected via a crossing portion of the forceps member.

[0006] Another example is a microforceps having a body, a thin tube, a core, and a beak-shaped gripping portion at one end of the core, characterized in that when the finger that has pressed the pushing member is released, the thin tube moves back to its original position and the beak-shaped gripping portion at the tip closes (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0007] In the surgical instrument of Patent Document 1, the operating member is connected to the blade section via an opening / closing member and a pivot support section, and the blade section moves in conjunction with the movement of the operating member. In addition, the operating member is bent in an L-shape, so that the operator's hand does not obstruct the field of view of the operator observing the surgical field through a microscope.

[0008] The surgical instrument in Patent Document 2 has scissors as a treatment tool. The surgeon holds the gripping portion in the same way as holding regular scissors and opens and closes the clamping portion at the tip. The clamping portion has a structure that is connected to the gripping portion via a forceps member and a crossing portion, and the clamping portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the gripping portion.

[0009] The surgical instrument in Patent Document 3 has a blade portion as a treatment tool for performing precise surgery. The blade portion is connected to a pushing member via a core material in a thin tube, a fixing member, and a crank member. The surgeon holds the pushing member in a manner similar to holding a pen, and operates the pushing member to move the linked blade portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6013507 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2020-14489 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2018-175573 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] However, the surgical instrument of Patent Document 1 is wide and unsuitable for operation within a narrow sheath inserted into a small incision. In contrast, the surgical instruments shown in Patent Documents 2 and 3 have a rod-shaped structure, minimizing the footprint within the sheath. However, the surgical instrument of Patent Document 2 requires a grip similar to that of scissors, making precise manipulation difficult for operations requiring precision, such as neurosurgery. Patent Document 3 allows for precise manipulation because it is gripped in a manner similar to that of a pen, but because the blade and pushing member are coaxial in the longitudinal direction, the surgeon's hand obstructs the field of view during microscopic observation, as mentioned above. Furthermore, because several components are involved between the drive of the pushing member and the movement of the blade, loose connections between these components prevent the surgeon's precise movement of the pushing member from being properly transmitted to the blade.

[0012] The present invention has been made to solve the problems associated with the above-mentioned conventional technology, and aims to provide a surgical instrument having an external shape in which a pipe section and a proximal section are connected via a transition section, which reduces obstruction of the surgeon's field of vision by the transition section and can properly transmit precise movements of the surgeon's proximal section to the treatment tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The surgical instrument according to the present invention, which achieves the above object, comprises a pipe portion to be inserted into a living body, and a longitudinal direction of the pipe portion. The first axis is parallel to The surgical instrument has a proximal portion extending in a direction non-parallel to the distal end of the pipe portion, a transition portion connecting the rear end of the pipe portion to the distal end of the proximal portion, and a treatment tool disposed at the distal end of the pipe portion. The surgical instrument has an operating portion disposed at the proximal portion and operated to operate the treatment tool, and a transmission member connecting the treatment tool and the operating portion and transmitting the operation of the operating portion to the treatment tool. The transmission member includes a wire. The transition portion has a hollow pipe shape that allows the wire to be inserted, and only the wire is inserted through it. The operating unit includes a grip member that is movable toward and away from a second axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the proximal portion, and a first spring member that applies a resilient force to the grip member to move the grip member in a direction away from the second axis. The transmission member includes a ball member connected to the rear end of the wire, a slider that holds the ball member and is slidable along the second axis, a link member that connects the slider to the grip member of the operating unit, and a second spring member that applies a resilient force to the wire to move the tip end of the wire connected to the treatment tool in a direction away from the proximal portion. When the grip member is moved away from the second axis by the resilient force of the first spring member, the tip end of the wire is moved in a direction away from the proximal portion by the resilient force of the second spring member, and the treatment tool operates to a first position. When the grip member approaches the second axis against the elastic force of the first spring member, the slider connected to the grip member via the link member moves along the second axis toward the rear end of the proximal portion, and the tip of the wire moves in a direction approaching the proximal portion against the elastic force of the second spring member, causing the treatment tool to move to a second position different from the first position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The surgical instrument of the present invention has an external shape in which the axis of the pipe section and the axis of the proximal section are offset, and the pipe section and the proximal section are connected via a transition section. The transition section has a hollow pipe shape, and only a wire is inserted through it, allowing for miniaturization. By miniaturizing the transition section, a surgical instrument can be provided in which the obstruction of the surgeon's field of vision by the transition section is reduced. Furthermore, by inserting only a wire through the hollow pipe-shaped transition section, rattle in the connection between components can be reduced compared to when multiple components are connected, and precise movements of the surgeon's proximal section can be appropriately transmitted to the treatment tool. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a surgeon is holding a surgical instrument according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a surgical instrument. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a top view of a surgical instrument. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the surgical instrument as viewed from behind the proximal portion. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts showing a state in which the treatment tool (forceps) has moved to a first position (open position) as the tip of the wire has moved in a direction away from the proximal part, and Figure 5(B) is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts showing a state in which the treatment tool (forceps) has moved to a second position (closed position) as the tip of the wire has moved in a direction approaching the proximal part. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state before a treatment tool (forceps) is attached to the distal end of a pipe portion. [Figure 7]Figure 7(A) is a front view showing the transition section and the main parts of the handle section with the grip member of the operating section partially broken away; Figure 7(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the transition section and the main parts of the handle section, with the grip member of the operating section moving away from a second axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handle section; and Figure 7(C) is a cross-sectional view showing the transition section and the main parts of the handle section, with the grip member of the operating section approaching a second axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handle section. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an assembly procedure of the wire, the ball member, and the slider in the transmission member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown here are merely examples for embodying the technical concept of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, all other embodiments, examples, and operational techniques that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention are included within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as well as within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0017] In addition, for the convenience of illustration and ease of understanding, the drawings attached to this specification may be represented schematically with the scale, aspect ratio, shape, etc. appropriately changed from the actual product, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.

[0018] In this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used. However, unless otherwise specified, these ordinal numbers are used to identify components for the convenience of explanation and do not specify the number or order.

[0019] In this specification, the end of the pipe section 10 that is inserted first when it is inserted into a living body is referred to as the tip (distal end), and the end on the other side of the tip is referred to as the rear end (proximal end). Furthermore, the tip (distal end) and rear end (proximal end) of elements other than the pipe section 10 are also defined in the same manner as the positional relationship between the tip (distal end) and rear end (proximal end) of the pipe section 10.

[0020] Furthermore, with regard to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in the figure, the X-axis indicates a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handheld portion 20, the Z-axis indicates a direction parallel to the height direction of the surgical instrument 1, and the Y-axis indicates a direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a surgeon is holding a surgical instrument 1 of an embodiment. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are a front view and a top view of the surgical instrument 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the surgical instrument 1 as seen from behind the handle portion 20.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the surgical instrument 1 of this embodiment generally includes a pipe section 10, a proximal section 20, a transition section 30, a treatment tool 40, an operating section 50, and a transmission member 60. The pipe section 10 is inserted into a living body. The proximal section 20 extends in a direction non-parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pipe section 10. The transition section 30 connects the rear end of the pipe section 10 to the distal end of the proximal section 20. The treatment tool 40 is disposed at the distal end of the pipe section 10. The operating section 50 is disposed at the proximal section 20 and is operated to operate the treatment tool 40. The transmission member 60 connects the treatment tool 40 and the operating section 50 and transmits the operation of the operating section 50 to the treatment tool 40. The transmission member 60 includes a wire 61. The transition section 30 has a hollow pipe shape that allows the wire 61 to pass through, and only the wire 61 is inserted through the transition section 30. Details are provided below.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, in a front view of the surgical instrument 1, a first axis 11 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pipe section 10 and a second axis 21 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the proximal section 20 are offset and non-parallel. As shown in FIG. 3, in a top view of the surgical instrument 1, the first axis 11 of the pipe section 10 and the second axis 21 of the proximal section 20 are parallel. The surgical instrument 1 has an external shape in which the first axis 11 of the pipe section 10 and the second axis 21 of the proximal section 20 are offset and the pipe section 10 and the proximal section 20 are connected via a transition section 30. The transition section 30 has a gently curved pipe shape in a front view of the surgical instrument 1 (FIG. 2), and a straight pipe shape in a top view of the surgical instrument 1 (FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the pipe section 10 and the transition section 30 are integrally formed by bending a single pipe material. The outer diameters of the pipe section 10 and the transition section 30 are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, about 3 mm. The pipe section 10 and the transition section 30 may be formed separately and joined by welding. The transition section 30 is fitted with a connector 31 for connecting a cleaning device (not shown). Cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning device is injected into the transition section 30 through the connector 31.

[0024] The treatment tool 40 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is a forceps 41. The size of the forceps 41 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the pipe portion 10, for example, the height and width dimensions are about 2 mm. The forceps 41 is attached to the distal end of the pipe portion 10 in a state where it does not rotate around the first axis 11 of the pipe portion 10.

[0025] Fig. 5(A) is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts showing a state in which the treatment tool 40 (forceps 41) has been moved to a first position (e.g., an open position) as a result of the distal end of the wire 61 moving in a direction away from the proximal portion 20. Fig. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts showing a state in which the treatment tool 40 (forceps 41) has been moved to a second position (e.g., a closed position) as a result of the distal end of the wire 61 moving in a direction approaching the proximal portion 20. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state before the treatment tool 40 (forceps 41) is attached to the distal end of the pipe portion 10.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), the forceps 41 have a lower jaw 42 (corresponding to a fixed member) fixed to the pipe 10, and an upper jaw 43 (corresponding to a movable member) to which the tip of the wire 61 is connected and which can move toward and away from the lower jaw 42. The rear end of the upper jaw 43 has a plate-shaped base 43a. The base 43a of the upper jaw 43 is rotatably attached to the lower jaw 42 via a first pin 43b. The rear end of the lower jaw 42 has a through hole 42a through which the wire 61 is inserted. The tip of the pipe 10 is inserted into the through hole 42a of the lower jaw 42. The rear end of the lower jaw 42 and the tip of the pipe 10 are fixed by welding. By the welded joint, the forceps 41 is attached to the tip of the pipe 10 in a non-rotatable state around the first axis 11 of the pipe 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the base 43a of the upper jaw 43 is inserted into a groove 42b formed in the lower jaw 42.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the tip of the wire 61 is connected to a tip fitting 62. The rear end side of the tip fitting 62 has an attachment hole 62a. The tip of the wire 61 is inserted into and fixed in the attachment hole 62a of the tip fitting 62. The tip side of the tip fitting 62 has a plate-shaped attachment plate 62b. The attachment plate 62b of the tip fitting 62 is fitted into an attachment groove (not shown) formed in the base 43a of the upper jaw 43. The attachment plate 62b of the tip fitting 62 is rotatably attached to the base 43a of the upper jaw 43 via a second pin 62c. The wire 61 is inserted through the through hole 42a of the lower jaw 42 and into the through hole 12 of the pipe part 10.

[0028] 5(A) and 5(B), a spring 63 (corresponding to the second spring member 63) is disposed between the rear end of the tip fitting 62 and the tip of the pipe portion 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the spring 63 is inserted into the wire 61. The spring 63 applies a resilient force to the wire 61 that moves the tip of the wire 61 connected to the forceps 41 to the left in the figure (a direction away from the handle portion 20).

[0029] The first pin 43b and the second pin 62c are arranged offset in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 5(A), when the tip of the wire 61 moves leftward in the figure (away from the proximal portion 20) due to the resilience of the spring 63, the upper jaw 43 rotates clockwise around the first pin 43b and moves away from the lower jaw 42. This causes the forceps 41 to move to a first position (open position). As shown in FIG. 5(B), when the tip of the wire 61 moves rightward in the figure (approaching the proximal portion 20) against the resilience of the spring 63, the upper jaw 43 rotates counterclockwise around the first pin 43b and moves toward the lower jaw 42. This causes the forceps 41 to move to a second position (closed position).

[0030] The forceps 41 and the pipe 10 are assembled as follows: The mounting plate 62b of the tip fitting 62 is fitted into the mounting groove (not shown) of the upper jaw 43. The tip of the wire 61 is fixed to the tip fitting 62. The mounting plate 62b of the tip fitting 62 is rotatably attached to the base 43a of the upper jaw 43 via the second pin 62c. The rear end of the wire 61 is passed through the groove 42b and through-hole 42a of the lower jaw 42. The base 43a of the upper jaw 43 is inserted into the groove 42b of the lower jaw 42 (FIG. 6). The base 43a of the upper jaw 43 is rotatably attached to the lower jaw 42 via the first pin 43b. The spring 63 is passed through the wire 61, and the rear end of the wire 61 is inserted into the through-hole 12 of the pipe 10. The tip of the pipe 10 is inserted into the through hole 42a of the lower jaw 42. The rear end of the lower jaw 42 and the tip of the pipe 10 are welded together. This completes the assembly of the forceps 41 and the pipe 10.

[0031] Fig. 7(A) is a front view showing the transition section 30 and the main parts of the proximal section 20 with the grip member 51 of the operating section 50 partially cut away. Fig. 7(B) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the grip member 51 of the operating section 50 is separated from the second axis 21 of the proximal section 20. Fig. 7(C) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the grip member 51 of the operating section 50 is close to the second axis 21 of the proximal section 20. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure for assembling the wire 61, ball member 64, and slider 65 in the transmission member 60.

[0032] As shown in Figures 7(A), 7(B), and 7(C), the transition section 30 is formed from a pipe material having a central hole 32 through which a wire 61 is inserted.

[0033] The handle section 20 has a tubular member 22 attached to the rear end of the transition section 30, and a center guide 23 extending from the tubular member 22. The tubular member 22 is screwed to the rear end of the transition section 30 via a collar 24. Reference numeral 22a denotes a through hole formed in the tubular member 22. A screw (not shown) is inserted into this through hole 22a to fasten the tubular member 22 to the transition section 30. An elongated hole 23a is formed in the tip of the center guide 23.

[0034] The operating section 50 includes a grip member 51 that can move toward and away from the second axis 21 of the proximal section 20, and a first spring member 52 that applies a resilient force to the grip member 51, moving the grip member 51 in a direction away from the second axis 21. In this embodiment, the first spring member 52 is formed from a V-shaped spring 53 that has a V-shape when viewed from above the surgical instrument 1 (see also FIG. 3). The rear end of the V-shaped spring 53 sandwiches the rear end of the center guide 23 of the proximal section 20 and is fixed to the center guide 23 with a nut 54 (FIG. 3). A pair of tip ends of the V-shaped spring 53 are disposed with a gap between them and the center guide 23 (FIGS. 7(B) and 7(C)). A grip member 51 is screw-fastened to each of the pair of tip ends of the V-shaped spring 53 via a spacer 55. Each of the pair of grip members 51 has an arc-shaped cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Reference numeral 51a in Fig. 7(A) denotes a through hole formed in grip member 51. A screw for fastening grip member 51 to V-shaped spring 53 is inserted into this through hole 51a. As shown in Fig. 7(B), grip member 51 moves to a position away from second axis 21 due to the elastic force of V-shaped spring 53. When the surgeon grasps grip member 51, grip member 51 moves to a position closer to second axis 21 against the elastic force of V-shaped spring 53, as shown in Fig. 7(C).

[0035] The transmission member 60 has a wire 61, a ball member 64, a slider 65, a pair of link members 66, and a second spring member 63 (see FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B)). The ball member 64 is connected to the rear end of the wire 61. The slider 65 holds the ball member 64 and is slidable along the second axis 21. The pair of link members 66 connect the slider 65 to each of the pair of grip members 51 of the operation unit 50. The second spring member is composed of the spring 63 as described above, and applies a resilient force to the wire 61 that moves the tip end of the wire 61 connected to the forceps 41 in a direction away from the handle unit 20.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 8, the ball member 64 has a through hole 64a. The rear end of the wire 61 is passed through the through hole 64a, and the ball member 64 and the wire 61 are fixed by welding. At this time, the length of the wire 61 can be adjusted. The slider 65 has a body portion 65a having a substantially cylindrical shape and a plate portion 65b extending from the rear end of the body portion 65a. The body portion 65a of the slider 65 has a recess 65c formed therein to accommodate the ball member 64. A groove portion 65d is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 65a of the slider 65. The groove portion 65d fits into the inner peripheral edge of the elongated hole 23a of the center guide 23, and the slider 65 is slidable along the second axis 21 (FIG. 7(A)). The ball member 64 is simply fitted into the recess 65c of the slider 65. In other words, the ball member 64 is slidably accommodated in the recess 65c of the slider 65. A connecting hole 65e for connecting one end of a link member 66 is formed in the rear end of the plate portion 65b of the slider 65.

[0037] One link member 66 connects the tip of the V-shaped spring 53 (shown on the upper side in FIGS. 7(B) and 7(C)) to the plate portion 65b of the slider 65. The other link member 66 connects the tip of the V-shaped spring 53 (shown on the lower side in FIGS. 7(B) and 7(C)) to the plate portion 65b of the slider 65. The tip of each link member 66 is rotatably connected to the tip of the V-shaped spring 53 via a third pin 66a. The rear end of each link member 66 is rotatably connected to the connecting hole 65e of the plate portion 65b via a fourth pin 66b. The grip member 51 is attached to the tip of each V-shaped spring 53. Therefore, the pair of link members 66 connects the slider 65 to each of the pair of grip members 51. Each of the pair of link members 66 is always inclined with respect to the second axis 21 of the handle portion 20.

[0038] The materials for forming the above-mentioned components constituting the surgical instrument 1 are not particularly limited, but components that require rigidity, such as the pipe material constituting the pipe section 10 and the transition section 30, the treatment tool 40, and the wire 61, are made of a metal material, such as stainless steel (SUS304). Components that require a good fit, such as the grip member 51, may be made of a resin material or rubber.

[0039] Next, the operation of the surgical instrument 1 will be described.

[0040] In neuroendoscopic surgery, a metal endoscope and a surgical instrument 1 are inserted into the lumen of a transparent sheath placed in the brain. As shown in Figure 1, the surgeon holds the surgical instrument 1 by pinching a pair of grip members 51 between the thumb and index finger.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7(B), until the surgeon applies a predetermined force to move the grip member 51, the grip member 51 is moved to a position away from the second axis 21 by the elastic force of the V-shaped spring 53. In this state, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the elastic force of the spring 63 moves the tip of the wire 61 to the left in the figure (away from the proximal portion 20). The upper jaw 43 rotates clockwise around the first pin 43b and moves away from the lower jaw 42. This causes the forceps 41 to move to the first position (open position). As shown in FIG. 7(B), the slider 65 connected to the grip member 51 via the link member 66 slides toward the rear end of the transition section 30.

[0042] When the surgeon applies a predetermined force to move the grip member 51, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the grip member 51 moves toward the second axis 21 against the resilience of the V-shaped spring 53. In this state, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the slider 65 connected to the grip member 51 via the link member 66 slides toward the rear end of the proximal portion 20 along the second axis 21. As shown in FIG. 5(B), the tip of the wire 61 moves toward the right in the drawing (in the direction approaching the proximal portion 20) against the resilience of the spring 63. The upper jaw 43 rotates counterclockwise about the first pin 43b and moves toward the lower jaw 42. This causes the forceps 41 to move to a second position (closed position) different from the first position (open position).

[0043] As described above, the surgical instrument 1 of the embodiment has an external shape in which the axis (first axis 11) of the pipe section 10 and the axis (second axis 21) of the proximal section 20 are offset, and the pipe section 10 and the proximal section 20 are connected via the transition section 30. The transmission member 60 includes the wire 61. The transition section 30 has a hollow pipe shape that allows the wire 61 to pass through, and only the wire 61 is passed through the transition section 30.

[0044] With the surgical instrument 1 configured in this manner, the transition section 30 has a pipe shape, allowing for a reduction in size of the transition section 30. By miniaturizing the transition section 30, a surgical instrument 1 can be provided in which the obstruction of the surgeon's field of vision caused by the transition section 30 is reduced. Furthermore, by inserting only the wire 61 through the hollow pipe-shaped transition section 30, rattle between the components is reduced compared to when multiple components are connected, allowing the surgeon to appropriately transmit precise movements of the proximal section 20 to the treatment tool 40. A sufficient view of the surgical field can also be ensured when inserting the surgical instrument 1 into the sheath. Furthermore, because the transition section 30 is designed to allow only the wire 61 to be inserted, the center of gravity of the surgical instrument 1 can be shifted toward the proximal section, increasing the surgeon's sense of stability when holding the surgical instrument 1. Furthermore, because the transition section 30 is designed to allow only the wire 61 to be inserted, shape changes such as the offset, angle, and length between the first axis 11 of the pipe section 10 and the second axis 21 of the proximal section 20 can be easily accommodated. As a result, flexible design is possible even when expanding the variety of treatment tools 40.

[0045] The treatment tool 40 is attached to the distal end of the pipe portion 10 in a state in which it does not rotate about a first axis 11 that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pipe portion 10 .

[0046] With this configuration, a mechanism for rotating the treatment tool 40 around the first axis 11 is not required, and the number of parts can be reduced. As a result, the transition section 30 can be further miniaturized, and the obstruction of the surgeon's field of vision by the transition section 30 can be further reduced. Because the number of parts is reduced, the amount of play when operating the treatment tool 40 can be reduced. Because the number of parts is reduced, a cost-effective surgical instrument 1 can be provided, and the occurrence of malfunctions can be reduced.

[0047] The treatment tool 40 has a lower jaw 42 (fixed member) fixed to the pipe portion 10, and an upper jaw 43 (movable member) to which the distal end of the wire 61 is connected and which can move toward and away from the fixed member.

[0048] With this configuration, only the upper jaw 43 needs to be operated by pulling the wire 61, simplifying the configuration for driving the treatment tool 40 and reducing the number of parts. As a result, the transition section 30 can be further miniaturized, further reducing the obstruction of the surgeon's field of vision caused by the transition section 30. Because the number of parts is reduced, the amount of backlash when the treatment tool 40 is operated can be reduced. Because the number of parts is reduced, a cost-effective surgical instrument 1 can be provided and the occurrence of malfunctions can be reduced.

[0049] The operation unit 50 has a grip member 51 and a V-shaped spring 53 (first spring member 52). The transmission member 60 has a ball member 64, a slider 65, a link member 66, and a spring 63 (second spring member). When the grip member 51 is moved away from the second axis 21 by the elastic force of the V-shaped spring 53, the elastic force of the spring 63 moves the tip end of the wire 61 in a direction away from the proximal portion 20, and the treatment tool 40 operates in a first position (for example, an open position). Furthermore, when the grip member 51 approaches the second axis 21 against the elastic force of the V-shaped spring 53, the slider 65 connected to the grip member 51 via the link member 66 moves along the second axis 21 toward the rear end of the hand portion 20, and the tip of the wire 61 moves in a direction approaching the hand portion 20 against the elastic force of the spring 63, and the treatment tool 40 operates in a second position (e.g., a closed position) different from the first position.

[0050] With this configuration, even if a wire power transmission system is employed, the treatment tool 40 can be reliably moved between the first position and the second position. The wire 61 is always pulled toward the distal end by the resilience of the spring 63, so there is no slack in the wire 61 that could cause rattle in the treatment tool 40. As a result, when the operating section 50 is operated, the treatment tool 40 can be operated without delay.

[0051] The ball member 64 of the transmission member 60 is connected to the rear end of the wire 61 by welding.

[0052] With this configuration, the length of the wire 61 can be adjusted when assembling the surgical instrument 1. Even if a wire power transmission system is employed, the length of the wire 61 can be adjusted, so the wire 61 does not become loose during assembly. As a result, the treatment tool 40 can be reliably moved between the first position and the second position.

[0053] The ball member 64 of the transmission member 60 is slidably housed in a recess 65c formed in the slider 65.

[0054] With this configuration, the slider 65 has a structure that receives the ball member 64, so that it is possible to absorb twisting of the wire 61 that occurs when assembling the surgical instrument 1 and when operating the wire 61. As a result, the treatment tool 40 can be more reliably operated between the first position and the second position. Furthermore, because the slider 65 has a structure that receives the ball member 64, assembly of the surgical instrument 1 is also easier.

[0055] The treatment tool 40 is a forceps 41.

[0056] With this configuration, the transition section 30 can reduce obstruction of the surgeon's field of vision, while allowing the forceps 41 to perform a predetermined treatment on the affected area.

[0057] The surgical instrument 1 according to the present invention has been described above through an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the configurations described above and can be modified as appropriate based on the claims.

[0058] For example, the external shape in which the first axis 11 of the pipe portion 10 and the second axis 21 of the proximal portion 20 are offset is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings, and a different external shape can be set as desired. The shape of the transition portion 30 is also not limited to the shape shown in the drawings. The surgical instrument 1 can have a pipe shape that is curved not only when viewed from the front, but also when viewed from above.

[0059] The treatment tool 40 is not limited to the forceps 41. For example, the treatment tool 40 may be a biopsy forceps, tweezers, scissors, a needle holder, or the like that has the function of cutting cells.

[0060] Although the V-shaped spring 53 is exemplified as the first spring member 52, it can be formed from a spring similar to the second spring member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 surgical equipment, 10 pipe section, 11 1st axis, 20 hand part, 21 2nd axis, 30 transition section, 32 center hole, 40 Treatment tools, 41 forceps, 42 Lower jaw (fixed side member), 43 Upper jaw (moving side member), 50 Operation section, 51 Grip member, 52 first spring member, 53 V-shaped spring (first spring member), 60 Transmission member, 61 wires, 62 Tip fittings, 63 spring (second spring member), 64 ball member, 65 sliders, 65c recess, 66 Link member.

Claims

1. a pipe portion to be inserted into a living body; a handle portion extending in a direction non-parallel to a first axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pipe portion; a transition section connecting a rear end of the pipe section and a front end of the handle section; a treatment tool disposed at the distal end of the pipe portion; an operating section that is disposed in the hand section and that is operated when the treatment tool is operated; a transmission member that connects the treatment tool and the operation unit and transmits the operation of the operation unit to the treatment tool, the transmission member includes a wire; The transition portion has a hollow pipe shape through which the wire can be inserted, and only the wire is inserted therethrough, the operating portion includes a grip member that can move toward and away from a second axis that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handle portion, and a first spring member that applies a resilient force to the grip member to move the grip member in a direction away from the second axis, The transmission member includes a ball member connected to the rear end of the wire, a slider that holds the ball member and is slidable along the second axis, a link member that connects the slider to the grip member of the operation unit, and a second spring member that applies a resilient force to the wire that moves the tip end of the wire connected to the treatment tool in a direction away from the proximal portion, In a state in which the grip member is moved away from the second axis by the elastic force of the first spring member, the distal end portion of the wire is moved in a direction away from the proximal portion by the elastic force of the second spring member, and the treatment tool is operated to a first position, When the grip member approaches the second axis against the elastic force of the first spring member, the slider connected to the grip member via the link member moves along the second axis toward the rear end of the proximal portion, and the tip of the wire moves in a direction approaching the proximal portion against the elastic force of the second spring member, so that the treatment tool operates in a second position different from the first position.

2. A surgical instrument as described in claim 1, wherein the direction in which the gripping member moves is a direction perpendicular to the second axis on a plane viewed from above from a direction in which the first axis and the second axis are parallel.

3. 3. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the treatment tool comprises a fixed-side member fixed to the pipe portion, and a movable-side member to which the tip of the wire is connected and which can move toward and away from the fixed-side member.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the ball member of the transmission member is connected to the rear end of the wire by welding.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the ball member of the transmission member is slidably housed in a recess formed in the slider.

6. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the treatment tool is a forceps.

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