Surgical instrument blade cartridges

Abstract

To provide a method by which the safety of patients and / or personnel can be improved during use of respective instruments.SOLUTION: A blade is held in a blade housing that can be transferred from a first locking position (static position) into a second locking position (actuated position) by a first operating element 34. In the static position, the blade housing is completely located inside the cartridge housing 24 and the blade is locked in the blade housing. In the actuated position, the blade housing projects out of the cartridge housing 24. Only in the actuated position, a locking between the blade housing and blade can be released, whereby a driving connection is established between a second operating element 45 and the blade. Tissue remnant that is retained while the blade retracts from the tissue is contained within the blade housing and sealed therein. Cleaning and re-use of an instrument 12 is therefore easier and safer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a knife cartridge for surgical instruments.

Background Art

[0002] Surgical instruments, particularly those for open surgery, are often composed of forceps or scissors types. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses such an instrument for fusing and cutting blood vessels. Coagulation electrodes are provided on two jaw portions of this forceps-like instrument that are movable relative to each other. Further, the instrument is provided with a holder for a knife cartridge that includes a blade for cutting the fused blood vessels. The knife cartridge can be replaced to provide a sharp blade to the instrument again when the sharpness of the blade deteriorates. Further, a disposable knife can also be used for a sterilizable instrument or an instrument that can be reused multiple times.

[0003] The sterilizable instrument is provided with a knife channel for guiding the knife blade of the replaceable cartridge, and this knife channel may get dirty during use of the instrument and is also difficult to clean. However, the risk to the patient due to infectious substances remaining in the instrument must be eliminated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method that can improve the safety of patients and / or workers during the use of each instrument.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This objective is achieved by the knife cartridge described in claim 1, but may relate to surgical instruments.

[0007] The knife cartridge can be used in forceps-like instruments that cut tissue held between two jaws with a blade. The blade is movably supported within the blade housing, and the blade housing is movably supported within the cartridge housing. This concept allows the blade housing to be extended first, along with the blade protected and supported within the blade housing, to the tissue held between the jaws, and only then can the blade be moved out of the blade housing to cut the tissue. When the blade retracts into the blade housing after cutting, it may retain tissue adhesives, potentially contaminating the inside of the blade housing. However, the channel provided in the instrument through which the blade housing moves from the cartridge housing to the jaws holding the tissue remains clean. Each part that comes into contact with the tissue retracts into the blade housing, and, where applicable, into the cartridge housing together with the blade housing, and is discarded together with the cartridge housing after use. Each part of the instrument that comes into contact with the knife channel, i.e., the blade housing, does not come into contact with the tissue. In this case, the knife cartridge according to the present invention simplifies the cleaning and sterilization of surgical instruments. Furthermore, because the sharp blade is guided and moves within the blade housing rather than within the knife groove of the instrument, potential instrument wear is suppressed. This concept enhances patient safety.

[0008] The blade housing can be made of metal, or more specifically, plastic, or a combination thereof. The blade housing can be configured as a rectangular tube or rail surrounding the blade and can be made flexibly deformable. Therefore, the blade housing can also move through the arcuate groove of the instrument while flexibly deforming.

[0009] The knife cartridge according to the present invention guides the blade inside the blade housing to its position of use, i.e., to the tissue held between the jaws. This allows the blade housing to move within grooves provided in the instrument, for example, through the hinge area of ​​the instrument. The blade, especially its cutting edge, is protected. The cutting edge will not become dull due to contact with a part of the instrument, nor will it cause scratches or other damage that could leave contamination on that part of the instrument. This enhances patient safety.

[0010] Preferably, the knife cartridge is provided with a locking mechanism that allows the cartridge housing to be removably attached to the device. The locking mechanism can be switched from a locked position to a released position by a separate operating element. Alternatively, the locking mechanism can also be operated by a first operating element that can move the blade housing. Thus, the operation is simple and intuitive.

[0011] The blade housing preferably has a first locking position in which the blade housing is completely positioned inside the cartridge housing. An insertion feeler provided on the cartridge housing can prevent the operation of the first operating element and / or the movement of the blade housing outside the first locking position. The insertion feeler prevents the movement of the blade housing when the knife cartridge is located outside the instrument. Furthermore, the insertion feeler releases the movement of the blade housing when the knife cartridge is inserted into the instrument.

[0012] The insertion feeler is preferably a movable, supported stopping member, which is an elastically supported spring that moves between a stopping position and a release position. In the stopping position, the insertion feeler prevents the blade housing from moving out of the first locked position (resting position). Therefore, when the knife cartridge is coupled to the instrument, the insertion feeler is preferably configured to be pushed out from the stopping position to the release position against the force of the spring by the contact surface of the instrument. Only then is the movement of the blade housing released. At that time, the blade and its blade housing are held immovably within the cartridge unless the knife cartridge is inserted into the instrument. Furthermore, the blade and its blade housing cannot be moved out of the cartridge housing with clumsy handling. Therefore, injuries to the handler and transmission of infectious diseases are almost eliminated.

[0013] When the cartridge housing is coupled to the instrument, and as a result the movement of the blade housing is released by the insertion feeler, the blade housing can be switched to a second locked position (operating position) in which the blade housing protrudes from the cartridge housing by operating the first operating element.

[0014] Typically, the instrument includes a channel extending from a cartridge base located near the scissor joint of the instrument to a knife slit formed in the jaw of the instrument. In the second locked position, the knife housing advances to the knife slit. While the blade housing moves from the first locked position to the second locked position and vice versa, the blade is fixed (immovably) coupled to the blade housing. This coupling can be released in the second locked position by the release action of each of the first operating elements, thereby releasing the axial movement of the blade relative to the blade housing. This release is performed by a switching device, which simultaneously drives and connects the blade to the second operating element while the first operating element is separated from the blade. Here, the second operating element can be used, for example, to move the blade outside the blade housing, thereby cutting biological tissue. The switching device can also be referred to as a “switch” that selectively drives and connects the first or second operating element to the blade. Thereafter, the switch simultaneously connects the first operating element to the blade housing and the blade. If the switch is changed, the switch will connect only the second operating element to the blade.

[0015] An operation lock can be enabled between the first and second operating elements, and this operation lock releases the operation of the second operating element so that only the blade moves when the switching device (switch) is activated by the movement of each of the first operating elements, thereby detaching the blade from the blade housing and simultaneously coupling the second operating element to the blade. This concept can also be used in embodiments of knife cartridge blades with a knife cartridge without a blade housing, or a short blade housing that remains entirely within the knife cartridge, and the blade is already protruding from the blade housing or is still moving distally while the blade is protruding from the short blade housing.

[0016] The switching device enables a drive connection between the second operating element and the blade, and as long as there is no drive connection between the first operating element and the blade, a movement lock can be assigned to the first operating element to prevent movement, and consequently displacement, of the blade housing inside the cartridge housing.

[0017] Furthermore, a first operating element can also be used to release the locking connection between the knife cartridge and the instrument. For this purpose, the locking means provided on the cartridge housing may include a cam that can move the locking member in the release direction against the force of a spring. The first operating element may also be provided with a cam that can move relative to the cam of the locking member by the force applied by each of the first operating elements.

[0018] By using the mechanism described above, it is ensured that the blade can only move outside the cartridge housing and the blade housing when the knife cartridge is properly connected to the instrument and the blade housing is switched to the operating position. In the operating position, the blade housing is positioned so that its surface is in the blade's working position. The distance between the cartridge housing and the blade's working position is bridged by the blade housing. The blade's working position is located distal to the hinge joint of the instrument, while the knife cartridge is positioned proximal to this joint. The channel in the instrument through which the blade housing is located is not contaminated, or only slightly contaminated, by the proposed configuration.

[0019] The cartridge housing can only be removed from the device when the blade is retracted into the blade housing and the blade housing is retracted into the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing can only be unlocked from the device, i.e., removed from the device, when the blade housing is fully retracted into the cartridge housing. After the cartridge housing is removed from the device, neither the blade housing nor the blade can move outside the cartridge housing. The blade housing and blade are trapped inside the cartridge housing. In each case, the tip of the blade remains positioned inside the knife cartridge, inaccessible.

[0020] For further advantageous details, reference is made to the claims, as well as to the drawings having a plurality of figures and the respective descriptions thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a basic view of an instrument having a knife cartridge according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a dashed-line view of the knife cartridge according to FIG. 1 in a handleable state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view of the knife cartridge according to FIG. 2, with the blade housing in the operating position and the blade being extendable (the dashed-line view shows the extended state). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the knife cartridge according to FIG. 3 taken along line IV-IV. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a very enlarged schematic perspective view of a part of the instrument according to FIG. 1 without the knife cartridge. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a very short cross-sectional perspective view of the knife cartridge according to FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view of the kinematic principle of the knife cartridge according to FIGS. 2 and 3 in different positions and states. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view of the kinematic principle of the knife cartridge according to FIGS. 2 and 3 in different positions and states. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view of the kinematic principle of the knife cartridge according to FIGS. 2 and 3 in different positions and states. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view of the kinematic principle of the knife cartridge according to FIGS. 2 and 3 in different positions and states. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view of the kinematic principle of the knife cartridge according to FIGS. 2 and 3 in different positions and states.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Figure 1 shows a surgical instrument 12 having two legs 13, 14 pivotally connected to each other by a joint 15 in the type of forceps or scissors. The legs 13, 14 include gripping portions 16, 17 at their proximal ends. The distal ends of the legs 13, 14 are jaws 18, 19 that can hold and compress biological tissue between them. For example, the tissue may be blood vessels, other hollow tubes, or even tendons, skin, muscle, etc. The jaws 18, 19 can be constructed in a smooth or slightly profiled manner. Furthermore, the jaws 18, 19 can be made from conductive or non-conductive materials. The opposing surfaces 20, 21 of the jaws 18, 19 can be configured as electrodes, for example, to apply an electric current to the tissue held between the jaws 18, 19 and to coagulate and / or fuse the tissue, if they are configured to be conductive. Therefore, the opposing surfaces 20 and 21 form electrodes that can be supplied with current via cables (not shown) or voltage sources provided in the device. Furthermore, additional elements such as switches may be provided to control the current, particularly to switch the current on and off.

[0023] The instrument 12 is preferably a coagulation and cutting instrument that uses a blade for cutting tissue (Figures 3, 4, and 6). The blade 22 is part of a knife cartridge 23 that is releasably held in the instrument 12. For example, the leg 14 includes a base configured as a compartment into which a knife cartridge 23 can be inserted for this purpose. The knife cartridge 23 is preferably configured for single use, while the instrument 12 is configured as a sterilizable instrument 12 that can be reused multiple times. The knife cartridge 23 is separated from the instrument and discarded after use, while the instrument 12 is cleaned and sterilized.

[0024] The knife cartridge 23 includes a cartridge housing 24, which can be configured, for example, as a plastic injection-molded section. The cartridge housing 24 is provided with a coupling structure 25 at its distal end during use, which fits into the complementary structures of the legs 14. For example, the coupling structure can be a bead-shaped projection that fits into the molded transverse grooves 26 of the instrument 12. At the opposite proximal end, the cartridge housing 24 may include a locking means 27, and a locking member 28 may be part of the locking means 27, which is located inside the cartridge housing 24 and pivotably supported. As soon as the cartridge housing 24 moves toward the legs 14 by a pivoting motion about a transverse axis defined by the transverse grooves 26, the locking member 28 can cooperate with the locking projection 29 of the instrument 12, which is locked to the locking member 28. Thus, the coupling structure 25 and the transverse grooves 26 form a pivot hinge. For example, a spring 29 in the form of a pressure spring, a bendable flexible spring, a leaf spring, etc., can be part of the locking means 27. The spring means 29 can be an integral part of the locking member 28, or a flexible tongue configured on the internal cartridge housing 24, or a separate spring element. Inside the cartridge housing 24, the locking member 28 is movable by a pivot bearing 30 and is held, for example, slidably or even pivotally.

[0025] Furthermore, a blade housing 31 is positioned inside the cartridge housing 24, which can preferably be configured as a flat rectangular tube or an even flatter guide rail, made of metal or even more plastic. Figures 4 and 6, in particular, show that at least the front portion of the blade housing 31, which can be moved outside the cartridge housing, surrounds the flat blade 22 on two flat sides, along with upper and lower narrow sides. However, the upper narrow side of the blade housing 31 can be opened up along at least a portion of its length, particularly the proximal portion that always remains inside the cartridge housing 24. On that side, the extension 22a of the blade 22 can protrude from the blade housing 31.

[0026] The blade housing 31 can be partially open on one of its flat sides. For example, the blade housing 31 can be open on the side of the blade 22 opposite to the cutting edge 32. As shown in Figure 6, the cutting edge 32 can be positioned off-center relative to the blade 22 and directly adjacent to one of the flat sides of the blade 22. The other side 33 then transitions into a bevel 34 extending to the cutting edge 32. Preferably, the blade housing 31 is long enough so that the blade 22 is fully contained within the blade housing 31 in the retracted position. This ensures that the cutting edge 32 is located inside the blade housing 31. However, the blade housing can also be shorter such that the blade 22 always protrudes slightly from the blade housing and the cutting edge 32 is located in front of the distal end of the blade housing 31. Furthermore, embodiments without a blade housing exist.

[0027] The blade housing 31 is basically movably positioned inside the cartridge housing 24 and guided in the direction of movement V (Figures 7 and 8). This allows the blade housing 31 to be switched from the first locked position shown in Figure 7 to the second locked position shown in Figure 9. In the first locked position, the blade housing 31 is completely located inside the cartridge housing 24. In the second locked position (operating position) shown in Figures 8 and 9, the blade housing 31 protrudes from the distal end of the cartridge housing 24.

[0028] The first operating element 34 helps to move the blade housing 31 from a first locked position to a second locked position as shown in Figures 8 and 9, and for this purpose, the pivot lock rocker 35 is part of the first operating element 34. This pivot lock rocker 35 forms a two-arm lever, the first arm 38 of which is connected to the blade housing 31 to transmit movement in the direction of movement V to the blade housing 31. For this purpose, the arm 38 may be provided with a projection 39 that extends into the cavity of the blade housing 31.

[0029] The pivot-lock rocker 35 includes a second arm 40 on which a first operating element 34 can be held. The operating element 34 is preferably firmly coupled to the pivot-lock rocker 35. Furthermore, one of the arms 38, 40, preferably arm 40, is provided with a pivot-movement lock 41, which can be configured, for example, as a cam or projection. The pivot-movement lock 41 slides along a locking surface 42 that is positioned to prevent the pivoting motion of the pivot-lock rocker 35 while the pivot-lock rocker 35 is moving in the direction of movement V. However, the locking surface 42 includes a cavity 43 that is positioned opposite the pivot-movement lock 41 when the pivot-lock rocker 35 is in a second locked position, i.e., the distal maximum extension position (operating position).

[0030] Furthermore, the first arm 38 supports a coupling 44 that establishes an immovable connection between the first arm 38 and the blade 22 in the direction of movement V via an opening in the blade housing 31. For this purpose, the blade 22 has a cavity facing the coupling 44, and the projection of the arm 38 forming the coupling 44 extends into the cavity. Thus, as long as the pivot lock rocker 35 is in a non-pivoting position, i.e., as long as the pivot movement lock 41 does not extend into the cavity 43, the blade 22 is immovably coupled to the blade housing 31 in the direction of movement V by the projection 39 and the coupling 44 (Figures 7, 8, and 11).

[0031] A second operating element 45 is provided for operating the blade 22, that is, for extending outside the blade housing 31, and it is preferable that the second operating element 45 is a two-arm lever pivotably supported by the cartridge housing 24. It is preferable that the pivot axis of the second operating element 45 is oriented laterally with respect to the direction of movement V. Thereafter, the second operating element 45 protrudes from the cartridge housing 24, particularly as shown in Figures 1 to 3. However, when the knife cartridge 23 is connected to the leg 14 of the instrument 12, the operating element 45 protrudes toward the other leg 13, and when the instrument 12 is closed, it passes the leg 13 by lateral displacement.

[0032] A lever arm 46 of a second operating element 45, located within the cartridge housing 24, can be coupled to the blade 22 by a connecting rod 47. For this purpose, the blade 22 includes an extension 22a projecting from the blade housing 31, the distal end of which is configured as an inclined portion. A bar 48 is supported on this extension 22a, and the bar 48 can be a spring-elastic arm having a fork-shaped end that is held in the cartridge housing 24. A coupling pin 49, located at the end of the connecting rod 47, can be positioned at the fork-shaped end of the bar 48.

[0033] The pivot lock rocker 35 supports the switching mechanism 50 at the distal end of the arm 38. This is achieved by an extension 51 of the arm 38, which extends from the arm 38 and adjacent to the coupling cavity 52 formed in the extension 22a, passing through the blade housing 31. The extension prevents the coupling pin 50 from entering the coupling cavity 52 unless the pivot lock rocker 35 is in a non-pivoting position, i.e., the pivot movement lock 41 is not engaged with the cavity 43. When the lever arm 38 of the pivot lock rocker 35 pivots upward (Figure 8), the coupling 44 engages with the blade housing, and the extension 51 pushes the coupling pin 49 out of the cavity 52. ​​When the lever arm 38 pivots downward (Figure 9), the coupling pin 49 locks into the cavity 52. Therefore, the switching mechanism 50 securely connects the blade 22 to the first operating element 34 and the blade housing 31, or to the second operating element 45.

[0034] Furthermore, an operation lock 53 that temporarily prevents the operation of the second operating element 45 is effective between the pivot lock rocker 35 and the second operating element 45 (Figure 8). This lock is effective when the blade housing 31 is in the extended position, i.e., the operating position. Thus, the lock is effective as long as the pivot lock rocker 35 is still coupled to the blade 22. Each projection 54 of the pivot lock rocker 35 releases the path of the projection 55 of the second operating element 45 only when the rocker 35 is tilted, and as a result the pivot move lock 41 engages with the cavity 43, the coupling 44 is disengaged, and the blade 22 is released. This state is shown in Figure 9. Here, the connecting rod 47 establishes a drive coupling between the second operating element 45 and the blade 22, and the blade 22 can then be moved out of the blade housing 31 by the operation of the second operating element 45.

[0035] The second arm 40 is further connected to a wedge or cam 56, which is connected to a wedge or cam 57 of the locking member 28. The cams 56 and 57 are positioned to engage with each other when the pivot lock rocker 35 is in its proximal limit position.

[0036] The cartridge housing 24 may further be realized as a spring-elastic tongue portion configured on the cartridge housing 24 and may include an insertion feeler 58 that can slightly protrude beyond the outer contour of the cartridge housing 24. This spring-elastic tongue portion includes a lower end portion that is movable laterally with respect to the direction of movement V. This lower end portion may be configured as a stop block 59 to which a stop surface configured on the lever arm 40 is assigned. The lower end portion is positioned so that the pivot lock rocker 35 does not substantially move from its proximal position unless the insertion feeler 58 is pushed out from its resting position.

[0037] The knife cartridge 23 described above operates as follows:

[0038] Figure 7 shows the knife cartridge 23 in an open state, allowing for safe handling. The blade 22 is fully retracted and fixed within the blade housing 31. The blade housing 31 is fully positioned and locked within the cartridge housing 24. The first operating element 34 is in a proximal position. This situation does not change even when the second operating element 45 is operated. The blade 22 cannot move out of the blade housing 31, and the blade housing 31 cannot move out of the cartridge housing 24.

[0039] The knife cartridge 23 can be connected to the instrument 12, and for this purpose, the locking member 28 engages with each locking projection 28a that can be configured on the instrument 12. At the same time, the elements of the instrument 12, for example, the surfaces provided on the leg portion 14, slightly press the insertion feeler 58 inward against the spring effect in the direction of the cartridge housing 24. If the insertion feeler 58 protrudes beyond the contour of the cartridge housing 24, for example, it is pressed into the contour of the cartridge housing 24. At this point, the stop block 59 releases the distal movement (to the right in Figure 7) of the first operating element 34. Here, the operator can move the first operating element 34 distally. As a result, the blade housing 31 and the blade 22 locked therein move distally from the cartridge housing 24 in direction V, as shown in Figure 8. This causes the blade housing 31 to advance to the jaw portion 18 inside the channel 61 (Figure 5) provided for this purpose.

[0040] The channel 61 can extend through the region of the joint 15. The channel 61 terminates at the knife slit 62 of the jaw portion 18, preferably with its surface in contact with the entrance of the knife slit 62. While the blade housing 31 advances through the channel 61, the cutting edge 32 of the blade 22 is located and protected within the blade housing 31.

[0041] The pivot lock rocker 35 still locks the blade 22 within the blade housing 31 while the operating element 34 is moving distally. During this process, the pivot move lock 41 moves along the locking surface 42, preventing the pivot movement of the pivot lock rocker 35, making it impossible to separate the blade housing 31 from the blade 22. Only at the maximum distal position of the blade housing 31, i.e., the second locking position, is the pivot move lock 41 positioned in front of the cavity 43, as shown in Figure 8. Here, the pivot movement of the pivot lock rocker 35 is released. At this time, the operator can push the first operating element 34 toward the cartridge housing 24, thereby slightly pivoting the pivot lock rocker 35. As is clear from Figure 9, this separates the coupling 44 from the blade housing 31 and, by means of, from the blade 22. Simultaneously, the switching mechanism 50 releases the coupling cavity 52 so that the coupling pin 49 can enter the coupling cavity 52 of the blade 22. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the projection 54 is released so that the second operating element 45 can be operated, i.e., pivoted.

[0042] When the second operating element 45 is operated (pivoting clockwise in the figure), the second operating element 45 moves the blade 22 in the direction of movement V, i.e., distal to the blade housing 31, by the connecting rod 47. The blade 22 enters the knife slit 62, and the cutting edge 32 moves along the inside of the knife slit 62 (Figure 5). For example, the blade 22 can cut tissue held between the jaw portions 18 and 19. Thus, if the blade 22 is sufficiently flexible, the knife slit can be straightened or further curved. Therefore, it is preferable that the blade 22 is configured such that the cutting edge 32 is positioned on the convex side of the knife slit 62.

[0043] When the second operating element 45 is released, each return spring 63 pulls the operating element 45 back to its resting position. At the same time, the blade 22 retracts into the blade housing 31 simultaneously by the connecting rod 47. Starting from the state shown in Figure 10, it returns to the state shown in Figure 9. However, the instrument 12 and knife cartridge 23 remain operational. The operating element 45 can be operated repeatedly, thereby extending and retracting the blade 22 multiple times.

[0044] When the knife cartridge 23 is removed from the instrument 12, first the second operating element 45 is released so that the state shown in Figure 9 is established. Subsequently, the first operating element 34 pivots downward so as to move away from the cartridge housing 24, and as a result the coupling portion 44 engages with the blade housing 31. Thus, the blade 22 is locked immovably inside the still-extended blade housing 31. At this point, the projection 54 on the pivot lock rocker 35 blocks the path of the projection 55 on the second operating element 45, so that the second operating element can no longer be operated. Thereafter, the switching mechanism 50 lifts the pin 49 of the coupling rod 47 out of the coupling cavity 52. ​​At this point, the second operating element 45 is disengaged from the blade 22.

[0045] Next, the first operating element 34 moves proximally, i.e., to the right in Figure 8, and as a result reaches the position shown in Figure 7. The pin 49 of the connecting rod 47 extends from the extension 22a of the blade 22. Because the pivot-movement lock 41 moves along the locking surface 42, the pivot-lock rocker 35 cannot be pivoted, and as a result, the firm connection between the blade 22 and the blade housing 31 cannot be released.

[0046] Here, when the knife cartridge 23 is finally removed from the instrument 12, the first operating element 34 is pressed proximal beyond the proximal end position shown in Figure 7, as shown in Figure 11. This causes the cam 56 to contact the cam 57 so that the locking member 28 pivots against the force of the spring 29. The locking means 27 is thus released, and the knife cartridge 23 can be removed from the instrument 12.

[0047] However, in all embodiments of the knife cartridge 23 without the blade housing 31, the above applies mutatis mutandis, provided that the blade housing 31 and optionally the protrusion 39 are omitted.

[0048] The knife cartridge 23 according to the present invention is provided for use with a surgical instrument 12. The knife cartridge 23 includes a blade that can be operated by a second operating element 45. The blade 22 is held in a blade housing 31 which can be switched from a first locked position (stationary position) to a second locked position (operating position) by a first operating element 34. In the stationary position, the blade housing 31 is fully located inside the cartridge housing 24, and the blade 22 is locked inside the blade housing 31. In the operating position, the blade housing 31 protrudes from the cartridge housing. Only in the operating position can the lock between the blade housing 31 and the blade 22 be released, thereby establishing a drive connection between the second operating element and the blade 22 for the first time.

[0049] Since the blade 22 is held inside the blade housing 31, any tissue residue held while the blade is retracted from the tissue is contained within the blade housing 31 and sealed therein. Therefore, cleaning and reusing the instrument 12 is easier and safer. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 12 devices 13, 14 Legs 15 Joint 16, 17 Gripping part 18, 19 Chin area 20, 21 Opposing surfaces of jaw sections 18, 19 22 blades 22a Extension 23 knife cartridges 24 cartridge housing 25 Combined structure 26 Yokomizo 27 Locking means 28 Locking member 29 Spring mechanism 30 bearings 31 Blade housing 32 cutting edge 33 Side view V direction of movement 34 1st operation element 35 Pivot Lock Rocker 36 Rotating Pins 37 Groove 38. Pivot Lock Rocker 35 First Arm 39 Protrusion 40 Pivot Lock Rocker 35 Second Arm 41 Pivot / Movement Lock 42 Locking surface 43 Cavity 44 Joint 45 Second operating element 46 Lever Arm 47 Connecting Rods 48 bars 49 coupling pins 50 Switching mechanism 51 Extension of lever arm 38 52 bonded cavities 53 Operation Lock 54. Protrusion of Pivot Lock Rocker 35 55 Protrusion of the second operating element 45 56 Pivot Lock Rocker Cam 57 Cam of locking member 28 58 Insertion Feera 59 Stop Block 60 Stop surface 61 channels 62 Knife Slits 63 Return spring

Claims

1. A cartridge housing (24) that can be connected to the device (12), The blade housing (31) is movably supported inside the cartridge housing (24), The blade (22) is movably supported inside the blade housing (31), A first operating element (34) for moving the blade housing (31), The blade housing (31) includes a second operating element (45) that moves the blade (22) inside the blade housing (31) out of the blade housing (31). Knife cartridge (23) for surgical instruments (12).

2. The cartridge housing (24) includes a locking means (27) that releasably connects the cartridge housing (24) to the device (12). The knife cartridge according to claim 1.

3. The locking means (27) is operable by the first operating element (34). The knife cartridge according to claim 2.

4. The blade housing (31) has a first locked position in which the blade housing (31) is completely positioned inside the cartridge housing (24). A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The blade housing (31) has a second locking position in which the blade housing is held partially protruding from the cartridge housing (24). A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The blade (22) has a retracted position in which the blade (22) is completely located inside the blade housing (31) and is locked inside the blade housing (31). A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The blade (22) includes an extension (22a) that can extend from the blade housing (31). A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first operating element (34) is movably supported by the cartridge housing (24). A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first operating element (34) is supported by the cartridge housing (24) along a predetermined movement path. A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Between the first operating element (34) and the cartridge housing (24), a pivot lock (41) is effective, which allows the first operating element (34) to pivot only at the end of the movement path. The knife cartridge according to claim 9.

11. The first operating element (34) includes a coupling portion (39) that connects to the blade housing (31). A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The first operating element (34) and the second operating element (45) can be alternately coupled to the blade (22) by a switching mechanism (50). A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The second operating element (45) can be operably coupled to the blade (22) by the pivoting motion of the first operating element (34). A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An operation lock (54, 55) is enabled between the first operation element (34) and the second operation element (45). A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. An insertion feeler (58) is assigned to the first operating element (34) to lock the operation of the first operating element (34) outside the device (12). A knife cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images