Medical devices

Abstract

To facilitate string fastening operation using an instrument in a surgical operation.SOLUTION: The medical instrument comprises a pair of arms respectively provided with surfaces facing each other to be able to insert and hold an object with the opposite surfaces at the tips of the arms. On the outer surfaces as peripheral surface other than the opposite surfaces at the tips, grooves are formed along a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the arms.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to medical instruments.

Background Art

[0002] In surgical operations, medical instruments for gripping a suture needle and gripping and fixing a living tissue are known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In surgery, after sewing tissue using a suture needle with a suture, an operation called thread tightening is performed to pull the suture to tighten the thread. Since the slack of the thread is eliminated by the thread tightening operation, a desired sutured state can be obtained, so that a more rapid and neat wound closure becomes possible. The thread tightening operation may be performed by some surgeons by hooking the thread on an instrument such as forceps used for suturing and pulling the thread while holding the instrument in hand.

[0005] However, when the thread is hooked on the instrument, the thread may slip off the surface of the instrument, and it may be necessary to re-hook and pull the thread, which may take time for the thread tightening operation.

[0006] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to facilitate the thread tightening operation using an instrument in surgical operations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a medical instrument having a pair of arms, each having opposing surfaces facing each other, and capable of gripping an object between the opposing surfaces at the tips of the arms, wherein a groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tip, which is the circumferential surface other than the opposing surfaces, along the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arms. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the suture tightening procedure using an instrument can be facilitated in surgical procedures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a forceps using one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of how to use the groove. [Figure 3] This is a partial plan view of one of the arms in Figure 1, seen from the side. [Figure 4] This is a partial plan view of one of the arms in Figure 1, seen from the outside. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of an arm with a groove, corresponding to a modified example, as shown in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a medical device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, a surgical clamping device, specifically a forceps, is shown as an example of the medical device 100. In this specification, "surgical clamping device" is an instrument that has the function of clamping an object in a surgical procedure. Here, the object may be instruments and articles used in surgery, such as sutures, sutures, gauze, etc., or human tissues such as internal organs, muscles, and blood vessels.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the medical instrument 100 comprises a pair of elongated arms 10, 10. Each of the arms 10, 10 is generally a plate-like piece (with a thickness dimension smaller than its length and width dimensions), and is arranged symmetrically with respect to its inner surfaces (also called opposing surfaces) F1, F1 facing each other. The arms 10, 10 are joined at the base end of each arm 10 (the base end of the medical instrument 100), forming a joint R3, while at the tip end they can move closer together and further apart. Furthermore, the arms 10 may have a tip portion R1, which is the portion from the tip edge to a predetermined length, and a central portion R2, which extends from the tip portion R1 toward the base end for a predetermined length. The tip portion R1 is the part that grips the object, and the central portion R2 is the part that directly receives the external force when an external force is applied. The arms 10, 10 can be brought closer together and further apart by an external force applied to the central part R2. In the example shown in Figure 1, the user can hold the central part R2 and push so that the arms 10, 10 come closer together.

[0012] In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the tip R1 of the arm portion 10 is denoted as L, the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L as W, and the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W as D (Figure 1). In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the arm portion 10 is generally plate-shaped even at the tip R1, that is, the thickness (length in the thickness direction D) is smaller than the width (length in the width direction W). However, the arm portion 10 may have a shape in which the thickness (length in the thickness direction D) is equal to or greater than the width (length in the width direction W).

[0013] The materials constituting the medical device 100 are not limited and may include metals, resins, etc. Examples of metals include stainless steel and titanium. Examples of resins include polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and engineering plastics. From the viewpoint of ensuring reliable thread tightening (which will be described in more detail later), metal devices are preferred. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of being inexpensive to manufacture and easy to mold, resin devices are preferred.

[0014] In this specification, the circumferential surfaces of the arm portion 10 other than the inner surface F1 are referred to as the outer circumferential surfaces F2. When the arm portions 10 are in close proximity to each other and closed, the inner surface F1 is hidden, and the outer circumferential surfaces F2 of the arm portion 10 are exposed to the outside. The outer circumferential surfaces F2 also include an outer surface F2e located on the opposite side from the inner surface (opposing surface) F1, and side surfaces F2s, F2s extending on both sides of the outer surface F2e, which are transition surfaces between the outer surface F2e and the inner surface F1.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, grooves 5a, 5b, ... (collectively referred to as groove 5) are formed on the circumferential surface of the tip R1 of the arm portion 10 of the medical instrument 100, along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the arm portion 10. More specifically, grooves 5a, 5b, ... are formed on the outer circumferential surface F2 of the circumferential surface of the tip R1 of the arm portion 10. In this specification, "along a predetermined direction" includes not only a direction perfectly parallel to the predetermined direction, but also a direction that deviates from the predetermined direction by within 10°, preferably within 5°.

[0016] The groove 5 formed on the outer surface F2 of the tip R1 of the arm portion 10, as shown in Figure 1, offers the following advantages during surgical procedures. When suturing tissues (organs, muscles, skin, blood vessels, etc.) during surgery, a tightening action is usually performed, which involves pulling and tightening the suture after the tissue has been sutured with a suture needle and suture thread. The tightening action is important for ensuring better adhesion of the wound surface after the tissue has been sutured. By performing the tightening action appropriately, in the case of a single knot (single ligation), the ligation can be performed firmly and reliably. In the case of continuous suturing, it is possible to prevent loosening during suturing, which would impair the adhesion of the wound surface. In the case of continuous suturing, the tightening action may be performed after each stitch, after suturing the tissue multiple times, or at the time of ligation or immediately before. Such suture tightening actions may be performed with one or both hands after temporarily releasing the medical instrument (forceps, etc.) used for suturing. However, depending on the surgeon (user of the medical instrument), the suture tightening may be performed by hooking the looped thread onto the instrument and pulling the thread while continuing to hold the instrument used for suturing. Here, if the thread slips off the surface of the medical instrument when it is hooked onto it, it may be necessary to hook and pull the thread again, resulting in a loss of time. Also, the impact of the thread slipping off the surface of the instrument may affect the suture state of the tissue. In contrast, as in this embodiment, a groove 5 (Figure 1) is formed on the outer peripheral surface F2 of the tip R1 of the arm portion 10 of the medical instrument 100, which prevents the thread from coming off the instrument and allows for more reliable suture tightening. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the surgeon inserts the tip R1 of the medical instrument (forceps) 100 held in the right hand into the loop of the suture thread ST. At this time, by adjusting the position of the thread along the longitudinal direction L of the medical instrument 100, the loop of the suture thread ST can be hooked into one of the multiple grooves formed on the outer peripheral surface F2 of the tip R1 (groove 5b in the example of Figure 2). Then, with the suture thread ST extending in the width direction W of the arm portion 10, the medical instrument 100 can be further moved in the width direction W of the arm portion 10 to pull the thread in the width direction W and tighten the thread. At this time, since the thread caught in groove 5 becomes less likely to slip, the surgeon can perform the thread tightening operation more easily and reliably.Suturing is a technique often required during surgery. By using the medical instrument 100 according to the present embodiment, if the suturing operation can be smoothly performed, the entire surgical process can proceed accurately and quickly.

[0017] Note that the medical instrument 100 that can utilize the groove 5 formed on the outer peripheral surface F2 of the arm portion 10 as in the present embodiment can be suitably used in any suturing method in surgery. However, since the suturing operation can be performed while holding the suture needle, it can be particularly suitably used in continuous suturing.

[0018] The groove 5 formed on the outer peripheral surface F2 of the tip portion R1 of the arm portion 10 can be formed at a predetermined position by cutting, etching, etc. after manufacturing a medical instrument 100 without a groove in a normal method. Alternatively, when the medical instrument is molded by casting, injection molding, etc., the groove 5 can also be formed by using a mold for casting provided with a groove at a predetermined position.

[0019] Hereinafter, the more detailed configuration of the groove 5 will be further described in detail. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged plan view of a part (mainly the tip portion R1) of one arm portion 10 of the medical instrument 100 in FIG. 1 as viewed in the width direction W, that is, an enlarged plan view as viewed from the side of one side surface F2s of the arm portion 10. FIG. 4 shows an enlarged plan view of a part (mainly the tip portion R1) of the arm portion 10 of the medical instrument 100 in FIG. 1 as viewed in the thickness direction D, that is, an enlarged plan view as viewed from the side of the outer surface F2e of the arm portion 10. FIG. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 4, that is, a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along the longitudinal direction L of the arm portion 10 at a position including the groove 5 near the surface of the outer surface F2e of the arm portion 10. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 4.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, in the medical instrument 100 according to this embodiment, a plurality of grooves 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f are formed in one arm portion 10 at intervals from each other. However, if the above-described thread tightening operation can be facilitated, the number of grooves formed in one arm portion 10 of the medical instrument 100 may be one, or may be two or more other than six. When the number of grooves 5 per arm portion is two or more, it is preferable because the opportunity to catch the thread at the tip portion R1 along the longitudinal direction L of the arm portion 10 can be increased in the thread tightening operation. That is, since the thread may be caught in any of the plurality of grooves 5, the grooves 5 can be selected according to the habit and situation of the surgeon and used for thread tightening. Although it also depends on the material constituting the medical instrument 100, the depth and width of the groove 5, etc., from the viewpoint of preventing a decrease in the strength of the tip portion R1, the number of grooves 5 per arm portion is preferably eight or less.

[0021] Whether the number of grooves 5 in one arm portion 10 is one or plural, the range in which the grooves 5 are formed in the arm portion 10 is within the tip portion R1. The specific range of the length of this tip portion R1 may be in the range of 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or more and 30 mm or less, in the longitudinal direction L of the arm portion 10 from the tip edge, although it also depends on the size and configuration of the medical instrument 100.

[0022] Furthermore, the positions in which each groove 5 is formed are not particularly limited, as long as a thread-tightening operation (Figure 2) using the groove 5 is possible. However, it is preferable that at least one groove 5 is formed in a position that functions as a scale line for measuring length (including depth). In order for the groove 5 to function as a scale line for measuring length, for example, the distance from the tip edge to the groove (scale line) 5 can be a length that can be visually recognized by the user and constitutes a unit for measuring length. Here, "a length that can be a unit for measuring length" may be, for example, 1 mm or a multiple thereof, 2.5 mm or a multiple thereof, etc. in the metric system. For example, in the inch system, it may be 0.05 inch or a multiple thereof, or 0.25 inch or a multiple thereof. Therefore, for example, the distance from the tip edge to the groove (scale line) 5 closest to the tip edge can be 2.5 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, etc. for users who measure length in metric units, and 0.25 inch, 0.5 inch, 1 inch, 2 inch, etc. for users who measure length in inches.

[0023] Furthermore, in order for the groove 5 to function as a scale line for measuring length or depth, for example, the distance (pitch) between at least two grooves can be set to a unit for length measurement (as described above) that is visually recognizable by the user. Therefore, for example, the distance between grooves can be 2.5 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, etc. for users who measure length in metric units, and 0.25 inch, 0.5 inch, 1 inch, 2 inch, etc. for users who measure length in inches.

[0024] In order for the grooves 5 to function as scale lines for length measurement, it is preferable to form multiple grooves 5 at a constant pitch or at equal intervals. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the grooves 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, and 5f formed on one arm portion 10 are formed at equal intervals with a pitch of 5 mm in the longitudinal direction L of the arm portion 10. In the illustrated form, the length from the tip edge to the center line of the groove 5a closest to the tip edge is 5 mm, and furthermore, the distance in the longitudinal direction L between the center lines of the grooves is formed to be equal.

[0025] Furthermore, to ensure that users understand that groove 5 also serves as a scale line, small letters or marks such as "5mm," "10mm," etc., may be printed or engraved on groove 5. Alternatively, without adding letters or marks, or with adding letters or marks, the instruction manual or similar document may explain that the groove also serves as a scale line and / or what length the distance from the tip edge to the groove or the distance between grooves represents. In this case, the distance from the tip edge to the groove or the distance between grooves does not necessarily have to be a round number according to the length measurement method.

[0026] Thus, because the groove 5 also functions as a scale line, it becomes possible to measure length while using the medical instrument 100 without using a separate scale or other device. This allows for easy measurement of wound depth by inserting the tip R1 of the medical instrument 100 into the wound, and for easy and reliable measurement of wound length, width, etc., on the tissue surface by laying the tip R1 of the medical instrument 100 flat against the tissue surface. It is also useful for understanding the pitch (suture interval) in the case of continuous suturing. In other words, with the medical instrument 100 according to this embodiment, the length or depth to be known or measured becomes immediately clear. Therefore, by making it easy to measure length or depth using the medical instrument 100, the condition of the wound can be quickly grasped. This contributes to making explanations easier for instructors or helping to deepen the understanding of students in educational settings. Furthermore, these effects can be obtained not only when directly observing the surgical field visually, but also when observing through images, such as in videos. When viewing the surgical field through images rather than directly observing the actual object, it can be particularly difficult to grasp the size without a scale. However, even in such situations, it is possible to easily determine the desired length or depth without having to bring out a specialized scale.

[0027] As described above, the groove 5 is formed on the outer circumferential surface F2 of the arm portion 10. This configuration has the advantage that, when the groove 5 functions as a scale line, the scale line can be seen even when the arms 10 of the medical instrument 100 are closed together. This advantage cannot be obtained if the scale is marked on the inner surface of the arm portion 10.

[0028] Furthermore, the fact that groove 5 functions as a scale line means, in other words, that a groove-shaped scale line is formed. If the goal is simply to add a scale line to the tip R1 of the arm portion 10, the scale line could be formed by a raised ridge (linear protrusion), or a flat scale line without irregularities could be formed by coloring or material modification. However, by having a groove-shaped scale line as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent raised ridges from getting caught on biological tissue or surgical items (gauze, tampons, etc.) during surgery, and to prevent coloring or material modification from adversely affecting biological tissue.

[0029] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, grooves 5 are formed on both arms 10, 10 of the medical instrument 100, but grooves 5 may be formed on only one arm 10. However, having grooves 5 on both arms 10, 10 allows the thread to be placed in the grooves 5 regardless of the orientation in which the medical instrument 100 is used during the thread-tightening operation. For example, if the medical instrument 100 is used with the side F2s of the arm 10 facing upwards, as shown in Figure 2, the thread can be placed in the grooves 5 regardless of which arm 10, 10 is facing inwards, making the thread-tightening operation easier. Furthermore, if the grooves 5 function as scale lines, it has the advantage that the scale can be seen regardless of the orientation in which the medical instrument 100 is used. In addition, if grooves 5 are formed on both arms 10, 10, it is preferable that the positions of the grooves 5 in the longitudinal direction L of the arms 10 are aligned on both arms 10, 10. As a result, even when the thread is wrapped around one arm 10 and the other arm 10 during the thread tightening operation, the thread fits into the grooves 5 of both arms 10, 10, and the thread can be held securely.

[0030] Furthermore, the positions of the grooves 5 in the longitudinal direction L of the arm portion 10 do not necessarily have to be aligned on both arm portions 10, 10. For example, one arm portion 10 may have a scale line formed according to the metric system, and the other arm portion 10 may have a scale line formed according to the inch system.

[0031] The groove width w of groove 5 (Figure 5) is not particularly limited as long as it is large enough for the suture to catch on, but is preferably 10 μm to 1.2 mm, more preferably 100 μm to 1 mm, and even more preferably 300 μm to 800 μm. This range can accommodate the thickness of sutures commonly used in surgical procedures (10 μm to 800 μm). The groove width w may be constant along a single groove 5, or it may vary along the groove 5. If the groove width w varies along the groove 5, the groove width w may gradually increase or decrease, or for example, the edge of the groove 5 may become wavy. Although a wavy edge of the groove 5 enhances the function of the groove 5 in holding the suture, from the viewpoint of preventing the edge of the groove 5 from catching on biological tissue or objects during surgery, it is preferable that the edge of the groove 5 be straight. The groove width w (or its average value if the groove width w is fluctuating) can be the width measured at the resurface position of the outer surface F2 (the width of the opening of groove 5).

[0032] If multiple grooves 5 are formed, the groove width w of each groove may be the same or different. For example, the groove width w may be smaller or larger for grooves 5 closer to the tip. Also, the groove width w of a groove 5 formed on one of the arms 10 may be the same or different for a groove 5 formed on the other arm. For example, the groove width w of a groove 5 formed on one arm 10 may be larger or smaller than the groove width w of a groove 5 formed on the other arm 10.

[0033] Furthermore, the depth d of the groove 5 (Figure 5) is not particularly limited as long as it is large enough for the suture to catch on, but it is preferably 10 μm or more and 1.2 mm or less, more preferably 100 μm or more and 1 mm or less, and even more preferably 300 μm or more and 800 μm or less. This allows the groove 5 to accommodate the thickness of sutures normally used in surgical procedures (10 μm or more and 800 μm or less). The depth d of the groove 5 may be constant along one groove 5, or it may vary along the groove 5. If the depth d varies along the groove 5, the depth d may gradually increase or decrease.

[0034] If multiple grooves 5 are formed, the depth d of each groove may be the same or different. For example, the groove 5 closer to the tip may have a smaller or larger depth d. Also, the depth d of a groove 5 formed on one of the arms 10 may be the same or different from the depth d of a groove 5 formed on the other arm 10. For example, the depth d of a groove 5 formed on one arm 10 may be greater or less than the depth d of a groove 5 formed on the other arm 10.

[0035] Furthermore, the groove 5 may be formed over the entire outer surface F2 of the arm portion 10, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6. This allows the thread to be placed in the groove 5 regardless of the orientation of the arm portion 10 during the thread-tightening operation, that is, whether the outer surface F2e of the outer surface F2 of the arm portion 10 is facing upwards, or whether any of the side surfaces F2s are facing upwards. In addition, it has the advantage of making the thread-tightening operation easier whether the user holds the medical instrument 100 with their right hand or their left hand. Moreover, if the groove 5 functions as a scale line, it has the advantage that the scale can be seen regardless of the orientation in which the medical instrument 100 is used. That is, the scale can be seen as long as any part of the outer surface F2 is visible.

[0036] However, the groove 5 does not necessarily have to be formed over the entire outer surface F2. The form in which the groove 5 is formed on a part of the outer surface F2 is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing a decrease in the strength of the tip R1, or from the viewpoint of simplifying the work when forming the groove 5 by cutting or the like during the manufacturing of the medical instrument 100, although this depends on the material constituting the medical instrument 100, the depth and width of the groove 5, etc.

[0037] Figure 7 (corresponding to Figure 6) shows a modified example of the groove 5. In the example shown in Figure 7, the groove 5 is formed only on the outer surface F2e of the outer circumferential surface F2, and not on the side surfaces F2s. This allows the thread to be hooked onto the outer surface F2e even when the medical instrument 100 is held with the side surface F2s facing upwards, as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the groove 5 extends to the transition between the outer surface F2e and the side surface F2s. When the loop of the thread is hooked onto the tip R1 of the arm portion 10 (Figure 2), the direction of the thread changes significantly at the transition between the outer surface F2e and the side surface F2s. If the thread can be held more securely within the groove 5 at that transition, the thread-holding function of the groove 5 is enhanced. The transition between the outer surface F2e and the side surface F2s corresponds to the vertices of a rectangle, for example, if the cross-section of the arm portion 10 cut along the width direction W is a rectangle.

[0038] Furthermore, as another modification, the groove 5 may be formed in at least one of the transition areas between the outer surface F2e and the side surface F2s, but not in other parts (not shown). This configuration minimizes the thread-holding function of the groove 5 during the thread-tightening operation, prevents a decrease in the strength of the tip R1, and facilitates the manufacture of the medical instrument 100.

[0039] The configuration of the grooves 5 formed on one arm portion 10 and the configuration of the grooves 5 formed on the other arm portion 10 (number, position, groove width, groove depth) may be the same or different. For example, multiple grooves 5 may be formed on one arm portion 10, and one groove 5 may be formed on the other arm portion 10.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, a grip portion 7 is formed on the outer surface F2e of the central part R2 of the arm portion 10 to prevent slippage when the medical instrument 100 is held in the hand. The grip portion 7 is an uneven surface formed on the outer surface F2e, and specifically, it may be a series of linear grooves along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm portion 10. The series of linear grooves formed on the grip portion 7 are formed within the central part R2, which corresponds to the area where the user's fingers are placed, and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction from the grooves 5 formed on the tip portion R1. Note that the grip portion 7 is not limited to linear grooves; it may also be composed of uneven surfaces other than linear ones, or by attaching friction-reducing materials, as long as it prevents the user's fingers from slipping.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the inner surface F1 of at least one, preferably both, tip portions R1 of the arms 10, 10 may have a roughened portion 8. The roughened portion 8 may be, for example, fine irregularities formed on the inner surface F1. The presence of the roughened portion 8 provides a function, known as a needle-holding function, which allows the suture needle to be held more securely when the suture needle is grasped with the tip portion R1 of the medical instrument 100. Therefore, when inserting and removing the suture needle from tissue, the suture needle can be moved smoothly without the need for the assistance of a needle holder or the like. Known configurations for the needle-holding function can be applied to the roughened portion 8. The roughened portion 8 may take the form of imprinted irregularities on the inner surface F1, or a roughened or high-friction sheet attached to the inner surface F1, as long as it can roughen a part or the entire inner surface F1 of the tip portion R1.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, hooks 9a and 9b are formed on the tip edges R1 of the arms 10, 10 of the medical instrument 100, so that they interlock when the arms 10, 10 are closed. In the example shown in Figure 1, the hook 9a on one arm 10 is a convex portion that protrudes in the width direction W from the inner surface F1 at the center in the thickness direction D, and the hook 9b on the other arm 10 is a concave portion shaped to fit the convex hook 9a. This interlocking of the hook 9a (convex portion) and hook 9b (concave portion) allows for a firm grip and dissection of tissue. When the medical instrument 100 has both the roughened portion 8 and the hook 9 described above, it becomes a hooked forceps with a needle-holding function. Using such a hooked forceps with a needle-holding function makes surgical operations, especially suturing operations using suture needles and sutures, much smoother. Furthermore, the configuration of the hooks 9a and 9b is not limited to those shown in the illustration, and any known hook configurations for hooked grippers can be applied.

[0043] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above using medical, particularly surgical, forceps as an example. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to forceps and are applicable to any instrument used in surgical procedures. They are preferably configured as various instruments used for suturing and related actions (techniques) in surgical procedures. In particular, they are preferably configured as surgical clamping devices (medical instruments having a pair of arms, where the pair of arms each have opposing surfaces that face each other, allowing the object to be clamped between the opposing surfaces). Specific examples of forms other than forceps include forceps, needle holders, scissors, and other instruments that may catch sutures during surgery. Furthermore, the size of the medical instruments according to this embodiment is not limited. For example, this embodiment may be an instrument used while visually confirming its operation, or an instrument used while confirming its operation using a magnifying glass, endoscope, etc.

[0044] Furthermore, the configuration of grooves and the like is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments shown herein can be modified, altered, replaced, added, deleted, and combined in various ways within the scope of the claims, and these also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 5, 5a~5f groove 7. Grip section 8 Roughened area 9a, 9b hook part 10 Arm 100 Medical instruments (surgical forceps) F1 Opposing surface (inner surface) F2 outer surface F2s Side of the outer surface F2e Outer surface of the outer periphery R1 Tip R2 central part R3 joint

Claims

1. A medical device having a pair of arms, each having opposing surfaces facing each other, and capable of gripping an object between the opposing surfaces at the tips of the arms, On the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion other than the opposing surface, a plurality of grooves are formed along the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm portion, with an opening width of 10 μm or more and 1.2 mm or less, and a depth of 10 μm or more and 1.2 mm or less, as measured at the position of the outer circumferential surface. A medical instrument in which the plurality of grooves are formed continuously over the entire outer surface of at least one of the arms, function as scale lines for length measurement, and are formed at intervals corresponding to a predetermined unit of length.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of grooves are formed in each of the pair of arms, and are formed at intervals between the pair of arms according to different unit systems.

3. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the width of each of the multiple grooves varies, either by gradually increasing or decreasing the groove width, or by the groove edges becoming wavy.

4. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the grooves in one arm portion have a groove width that is smaller or larger towards the tip.

5. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of grooves are formed in each of the pair of arms, and the widths of the grooves differ between the pair of arms.

6. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the depth of each of the multiple grooves is gradually increased or decreased.

7. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the depth of the grooves in one arm portion decreases or increases as the groove approaches the tip.

8. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of grooves are formed in each of the pair of arms, and the depths of the grooves differ between the pair of arms.

9. The medical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the forceps have a hook portion formed at their tip.

10. The medical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the opposing surface of the tip portion is provided with irregularities.

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