Medical devices

Abstract

1. Medical Equipment 2.1 Medical instruments of this type, in particular medical instruments for applying medical clips, are known to have a handle arrangement comprising a fixed handle part, a movable handle part manually movable relative to the fixed handle part between an unoperated rest position and an operated functional position, a locking device, an elongated shaft the proximal end of which is releasably locked to the handle arrangement by the locking device, an instrument jaw arranged at the distal end of the shaft and movable between an open position and a closed position by operation of the movable handle part, and an elongated push-pull element axially movably guided in the shaft and cooperatively connected on the proximal side to the movable handle part and on the distal side to the instrument jaw for force and movement transmission. 2.2 According to the invention, the locking device comprises an operating element manually movable to a release position to release the lock, and a blocking element cooperatively connected to the movable handle part, the blocking element being moved to a blocking position in which it prevents movement of the operating element in a form-fitting manner when the movable handle part is in the functional position, and being moved to an enabling position in which movement of the operating element is possible when the movable handle part is in the rest position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical instrument, particularly a medical instrument for applying a medical clip, which has a handle device including a fixed handle portion, a movable handle portion that can be manually moved relative to the fixed handle portion between an unactuated rest position and an actuated functional position, and a locking device, an elongated shaft whose proximal end is releasably locked to the handle device by the locking device, an instrument jaw disposed at the distal end of the shaft and movable between an open position and a closed position by the movement of the movable handle portion, and an elongated push-pull element that is axially movably guided within the shaft, is operatively connected to the movable handle portion on the proximal side for transmitting force and motion, and is operatively connected to the instrument jaw on the distal side.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A medical instrument of this type is known from EP 0 688 187 B1, and is provided in the form of medical forceps for use in endoscopic interventions. This known forceps has a handpiece having a fixed handle portion and a movable handle portion. Furthermore, this medical forceps has an elongated shaft in the form of an outer tube that is releasably locked to the handpiece. A pull rod that is axially movably guided inside the outer tube has one end operatively connected to a forceps jaw attached to the distal side of the outer tube, and the other end operatively connected to the movable handle portion. The outer tube, together with the forceps jaw and the pull rod, can be removed from the handpiece. This is particularly for cleaning and sterilization purposes.

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a medical instrument of the aforementioned type that improves patient safety.

[0004] This objective is achieved by the locking device comprising an operating element that can be manually moved to a release position to release the lock, and a block element operably connected to the movable handle, wherein when the movable handle is in a functional position, the block element is moved to a block position that morphologically obstructs the mobility of the operating element, and when the movable handle is in a stationary position, the block element is moved to a possible position that enables the mobility of the operating element. The solution according to the present invention prevents accidental release of the lock when the medical device should not be released. The present invention is based in particular on the finding that if the lock is released when the device is in an operating state, i.e., when the movable handle is in a functional position, it may have adverse effects on the patient. The solution according to the present invention prevents release of the lock in the operating functional position. In this way, adverse effects on the use of the device are avoided. Therefore, this ultimately leads to improved patient safety. Preferably, the movable handle is rotatable between a stationary position and a functional position relative to the fixed handle. Alternatively, the movable handle may be linearly movable relative to the fixed handle. The locking device is preferably integrated with the fixed handle portion. The locking device functions to releasably lock the shaft, and by extension, any further components connected to the shaft, such as push-pull elements or instrument jaws, to the handle device. The shaft is preferably releasably connected to the handle device by shape fitting and / or force fitting, and the locking device prevents this connection from being released and / or forms the connection itself. The aforementioned connection between the shaft and the handle device may be designed, for example, as a screw connection, a push-in connection, a latching connection, and / or a clamping connection. The shaft preferably extends linearly between its proximal and distal ends. The shaft is preferably tubular and / or hollow cylindrical in at least a portion thereof. The shaft may consist of one part or multiple parts. In the open position, the instrument jaws are open. In the closed position, the instrument jaws are closed.The instrument jaw is formed by two jaw sections, which are movable relative to each other, preferably moving toward each other in the closed position and away from each other in the open position. The instrument jaw is operably connected indirectly to the movable handle section via a push-pull element. The instrument jaw may be opened or closed by moving the movable handle section at its functional position, the latter being preferred. When the movable handle section is moved, the push-pull element may perform a pulling action and / or a pushing action relative to the instrument jaw, the latter being preferred. In the case of a pulling action, the push-pull element functions as a pulling element. In the case of a pushing action, the push-pull element functions as a pushing element and / or a pressing element. The push-pull element is preferably linear and / or coaxial with the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. The push-pull element is preferably guided radially in a shape-fitting manner within the shaft and guided to slide axially. When the movable handle section is operated, the block element moves to the block position. The movement of the block element between the possible position and the block position may be performed by rotation and / or translation. Movement of the operating element to the release position may be performed by rotation and / or translation. In the block position, the block element preferably prevents movement of the operating element to the release position directly and / or by shape fitting. The medical instrument is preferably provided for use in laparoscopic surgery. The medical instrument is preferably in the form of medical forceps, clamps, scissors, etc. Thus, the instrument jaws are, for example, jaws of forceps, jaws of clamps, or jaws of scissors.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, an operating element in the released position prevents the movement of the blocking element to the blocking position and / or the movable handle portion to the functional position. This prevents the movable handle portion from being operated when it should not be operated. This embodiment of the present invention is based on the finding that if the movable handle portion is operated when the operating element is in the released position, i.e., when the locking of the shaft is released, it may have adverse effects on the patient. In this embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the movable handle portion is prohibited while the locking is released. In this way, further adverse effects in the use of the medical device are avoided. This also prevents the operating element from being blocked in its released position. This ultimately leads to further improvement in patient safety. The prevention of movement of the blocking element and / or the movable handle portion is preferably performed by the operating element in a shape-fitting manner and / or directly.

[0006] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the block element is biased in the direction of the block position by a first spring element located in the handle device, and when the shaft is locked, it is biased in the direction of the possible position by a second spring element located in the shaft, the second spring element producing a greater bias than the first spring element. This particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention offers further advantages. For further explanation, a distinction is made between a first configuration and a second configuration of the medical device. In the first configuration, the shaft, and therefore the push-pull element and instrument jaws, are attached to the handle device, i.e., connected to and / or locked to the handle device. In the second configuration, the shaft, and therefore the push-pull element and instrument jaws, are separated from the handle device, i.e., the aforementioned connection and / or locking in the first configuration is released. The first configuration is also referred to as the assembled state. The second configuration is also referred to as the disassembled state. In the assembled state, both the first and second spring elements act on the block element. The first and second spring elements act in opposite directions, with the second spring element being stronger than the first. Therefore, in the assembled state, the larger biasing force moves the block element to the possible position by spring bias. This is the case when the movable handle is in the stationary position and not acting additionally on the block element. In the disassembled state, the second spring element is separated from the handle device along with the shaft, so the block element is not biased toward the possible position. Thus, the block element is moved to the blocked position under the action of the first spring element. The block element is operably connected to the movable handle, so that the movable handle is preferably moved to the functional position simultaneously. As a result, in the disassembled state, the operating element is always blocked. This ensures that the operating element cannot be moved while the shaft is removed. This embodiment is based on the knowledge that there are adverse effects if the operating element moves unintentionally and / or accidentally while the shaft is removed. These adverse effects are eliminated by this embodiment of the present invention. In this way, patient safety is further improved.The first spring element is preferably incorporated into the handle device. The second spring element is located on the shaft. In one embodiment, the first spring element and / or the second spring element act directly on the block element. In further embodiments, the first spring element and / or the second spring element act indirectly on the block element. For example, the first spring element may act indirectly on the block element via the movable handle portion. The second spring element may act indirectly on the block element, for example, via a push-pull element.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the operating element is movable radially to the push-pull element, and the blocking element is movable axially to the push-pull element. This has particular design advantages. On the other hand, the blocking function of the blocking element can be implemented very easily in terms of design. For example, the blocking element may be pressed below, above, or against the operating element to prevent the radial movement of the operating element. The block thus obtained is particularly robust. If the movement of the blocking element and / or the movable handle is also by the operating element, the operating element may be moved forward or backward to the push-pull element in the axial movement of the push-pull element. This may be radially outward or inward.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the operating element is a push button that can be pushed into a release position, and the blocking element is a linearly movable slide that, in the blocking position, is at least partially pushed down below the push button. This embodiment of the present invention is particularly easy to implement in terms of design. At the same time, the movement of the operating element can be particularly firmly prevented. In the release position, the push button is at least partially pushed in front of the slide. This makes it easy and firm to prevent the movement of the slide, and consequently the movement of the movable handle portion connected to cooperate with the slide. Preferably, the push button may be biased with a spring load opposite to its movement to the release position by a further spring element, also referred to as a third spring element. In one embodiment, the push button is movable radially of the push-pull element. In a further embodiment, the push button is movable axially of the push-pull element. The same applies to the movement of the slide. Preferably, the push button and / or slide are movablely attached to the fixed handle portion.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the movable handle portion is rotatably mounted to the fixed handle portion about a pivot pin, and the block element has a drive pin oriented parallel to the pivot pin and interacting with a drive groove provided on the end face of the movable handle portion. In this way, an operational connection is formed between the movable handle portion and the block element that is particularly simple in design and particularly robust. This operational connection serves to transmit force and motion between the movable handle portion and the block element. The pivot pin and / or drive pin may exist spatially and physically in the form of corresponding structural components, or they may be axes in a geometric sense. The drive pin preferably engages with the drive groove in a shape-fitting manner in the axial direction of the push-pull element and / or engages with respect to the pivot pin of the movable handle portion. The drive pin is preferably received in the drive groove so as to be slidable in its circumferential direction.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the movable handle acts on the proximal end of the push-pull element to transmit force and motion via a block element. Thus, in this embodiment of the present invention, the block element has several particularly advantageous functions. On the one hand, the block element functions to prevent the movement of the operating element as described above. On the other hand, the block element also functions as a mechanical transmission element between the movable handle and the push-pull element. This can further simplify the design. Preferably, the movable handle is cooperatively connected to the push-pull element only by the block element.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the block element has a support located distally, in which the proximal end of the push-pull element is supported axially and / or received in a shape-fitting manner radially. The axial support allows forces and motions to be favorably transmitted to the push-pull element. The radial shape-fitting allows the push-pull element to be better guided. Preferably, the support has a shape-fitting profile, for example, in the form of a recess or projection, which is releasably inserted together axially with the proximal end of the push-pull element to form a radial shape-fit.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the locking device has a spring-loaded latch that geometrically engages with a notch in the shaft in the axial direction and can be released from the notch by an operating element. In this embodiment of the present invention, the locking is realized as a releaseable latch-notch connection. The latch is operably connected to the operating element. In one embodiment, the latch is separate from the operating element and is realized as a structural component connected to the operating element to transmit force and motion. In another embodiment, the latch is part of the operating element and is integrated with the operating element. The notch is provided at the proximal end of the shaft. The notch is preferably designed as a recess extending circumferentially on the shaft, for example, as an annular groove. In the released position of the operating element, the latch is not engaged with the notch. Otherwise, the latch is engaged with the notch. The engagement and / or disengagement of the latch is preferably performed radially on the shaft and / or push-pull element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the claims and drawings. [Figure 1] This shows a schematic side view of one embodiment of a medical device according to the present invention, which has a handle device, a shaft detachably attached to the handle device, and an instrument jaw attached to the distal end of the shaft. [Figure 2] This is a schematic partial side view showing details of the shaft within the range of the instrument jaws, with individual components and / or parts omitted. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a schematic partial longitudinal section of the medical device within the scope of the handle mechanism. [Figure 4] Figures 1 to 3 are longitudinal cross-sectional perspective views of the handle devices of medical instruments. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view of the block elements related to the steering mechanism. [Figure 6]This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a medical device within the scope of the handle device, showing the movable handle portion of the handle device in a stationary position when not operated (Figure 6) and in an operated functional position (Figure 7). [Figure 7] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a medical device within the scope of the handle device, showing the movable handle portion of the handle device in a stationary position when not operated (Figure 6) and in an operated functional position (Figure 7). [Figure 8] To illustrate the assembly of the shaft into the handle device and the separation of the shaft from the handle device, different configurations of medical devices are shown in the diagrams corresponding to Figures 6 and 7. [Figure 9] To illustrate the assembly of the shaft into the handle device and the separation of the shaft from the handle device, different configurations of medical devices are shown in the diagrams corresponding to Figures 6 and 7. [Figure 10] To illustrate the assembly of the shaft into the handle device and the separation of the shaft from the handle device, different configurations of medical devices are shown in the diagrams corresponding to Figures 6 and 7.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a medical instrument used in laparoscopic surgery. In this example, the medical instrument is in the form of medical forceps 1. Since medical forceps 1 is used to apply medical clips, it is also called a medical clip applicator.

[0015] The medical forceps 1 comprises a handle device 2, an elongated shaft 3, instrument jaws in the form of forceps jaws 4, and a push-pull element 5.

[0016] The handle device 2 includes a fixed handle portion 6, a movable handle portion 7, and a locking device 8. The movable handle portion 7 can be manually moved relative to the fixed handle portion 6 between an unoperated stationary position (see Figures 1, 3, and 6) and an operated functional position (see Figure 7).

[0017] The shaft 3 extends between a proximal end 9 and a distal end 10. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the medical forceps 1 is in an assembled state, ready for use. In this assembled state, the shaft 3, along with the forceps jaws 4 and the push-pull element 5, is attached to the handle device 2. The proximal end 9 of the shaft 3 is releasably locked to the handle device 2 by a locking device 8, as will be described in more detail later. The medical forceps 1 can be transitioned to a disassembled state, with the handle device 2 separated from the rest of the medical forceps 1's components. For this purpose, the aforementioned locking is releasable, as will be described in more detail later.

[0018] The forceps jaws 4 can move between a closed position (Figure 1) and an open position (Figure 2) by the operation of the movable handle 7. Therefore, the forceps jaws 4 and the movable handle 7 are cooperatively connected to each other for the transmission of force and motion.

[0019] The aforementioned cooperative connection is established by a push-pull element 5. The push-pull element 5 extends between a proximal end 11 (Figure 3) and a distal end 12 (Figure 2). The proximal end 11 is cooperatively connected to the movable handle portion 7. The distal end 12 is cooperatively connected to the forceps jaws 4. The push-pull element 5 is guided to move axially within the shaft 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 3 and the push-pull element 5 are oriented coaxially with respect to each other.

[0020] To release the lock, the locking device 8 has an operating element 13. The operating element 13 can be manually moved between an unoperated stationary position (particularly in Figures 1, 3, and 4) and an operated release position (not shown in detail in the drawings). When the operating element 13 is in the stationary position, the lock is effective. When the operating element 13 is in the release position, the lock is released or canceled. Once the lock is released, the handle device 2 and the shaft 3 can be separated from each other for disassembly.

[0021] To prevent the medical forceps 1 from being unlocked when it should not be unlocked, the locking device 8 has a blocking element 14 (see Figure 3). The blocking element 14 is cooperatively connected to the movable handle portion 7. In other words, the blocking element 14 is movable in response to the movement of the movable handle portion 7, and / or vice versa. When the movable handle portion 7 is in the rest position, the blocking element 14 assumes a permissive position (see Figure 3 and Figure 6). When the movable handle portion 7 is in the functional position, the blocking element 14 assumes a blocking position (Figure 7). In the blocking position, the blocking element 14 positively blocks the movement of the operating element 13 to the release position in a form-fitting manner. In the permissive position, the blocking element 14 does not affect the movement of the operating element, and the operating element is movable. This prevents a situation where the lock is released while the medical forceps 1 is being operated.

[0022] Further structural and functional features of the medical forceps 1 will be described in more detail below. The features described below are considered advantageous. However, from the perspective of the present invention, the features described below are not essential.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the operating element 13 is movable in the radial direction R of the push-pull element 5. The blocking element 14 is movable in the axial direction A of the push-pull element 5. In the illustrated embodiment, since the shaft 3 and the push-pull element 5 are oriented coaxially with each other, it is also possible to refer to the radial direction R and the axial direction A of the shaft 3. In an embodiment not shown, the movement of the operating element and the movement of the blocking element may be different. For example, the blocking element may be movable in the radial direction, and the operating element may be movable in the axial direction.

[0024] The operating element 13 is moved radially outward in its stationary position when not operated, and radially inward in its released position when operated. The blocking element 14 is moved axially rearward (proximal) in the possible position, and axially forward (distal) in the blocked position. In contrast, in an embodiment not shown, the released position is the position of the operating element displaced radially outward. Accordingly, the blocked position may be the position of the blocking element displaced proximal.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the block element 14 in the block position slides at least partially beneath the operating element 13, so that the operating element 13 cannot be moved radially inward R (Figure 7). Therefore, the shape-fitting block of the operating element 13 acts radially R.

[0026] In this example, the operating element 13 is a push button 15 that can be pushed radially toward the release position. The push button 15 is located on the upper surface of the handle device 2. The push button 15 is received in a receiving recess 16 of the handle device 2. The push button 15 can move radially R and is guided perpendicularly to it within the receiving recess 16 in a shape-fitting manner.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the block element 14 is a linearly movable slide 17. The slide 17 is received in a further receiving recess 18 provided in the handle device 2 for this purpose.

[0028] In this example, both the operating element 13 and the block section 14 are movably attached to the fixed handle section 6.

[0029] The cooperative connection between the movable handle portion 7 and the block element 14 may, in principle, be implemented in various ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable handle portion 7 is rotatably mounted to the fixed handle portion 6 around a pivot pin 19, and the block element 14 has a drive pin 20 oriented parallel to the pivot pin 19 and interacting with a drive groove 21 provided on the end face of the movable handle portion 7. In the functional position, the movable handle portion 7 is moved to move closer to the fixed handle portion 6 by rotating around the pivot pin 19. In the possible position, the movable handle portion 7 is moved away from the fixed handle portion 6 around the pivot pin 19. The pivot pin 19 is oriented perpendicular to the axial direction A and the radial direction R. In other words, the pivot pin 19 is oriented parallel to the transverse axis (not shown in detail) of the handle device 2 and / or shaft 3. The same is true for the drive pin 20 of the block element 14 which is oriented parallel to the pivot pin 19. The drive groove 21 and the drive pin 20 interact through the circumferential sliding motion of the drive pin 20. The block element 14 is slidable in the axial direction A and is held in a shape-fitting manner within a further receiving recess 18 in the radial direction R. In this way, the block element 14 is moved linearly distally as the handle portion 7 rotates toward the functional position.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable handle portion 7 is cooperatively connected to the push-pull element 5 solely by the block element 14 for the transmission of force and motion. Therefore, the block element 14 in the illustrated embodiment has several particularly advantageous functions. On the one hand, the block element 14 functions to block the operating element 13, as already described. On the other hand, the block element 14 also functions as a mechanical transmission element for transmitting the operating action and / or operating force of the movable handle portion 7 to the push-pull element 5 and, consequently, to the forceps jaws 4.

[0031] For cooperative connection with the push-pull element 5, the block element 14 has a support portion 22 located distally (Figure 5). The proximal end 11 of the push-pull element 5 is supported by the support portion 22 in the axial direction A. In this example, the proximal end 11 is also geometrically received by the support portion 22 in the radial direction R. For this purpose, the support portion 22 has a recess 23 extending proximal from the distal end face of the block element 14. The proximal end 11 is detachably inserted into the recess 23 in the proximal direction.

[0032] Further features of the block element 14 of this embodiment are shown in Figure 5. The block element 14 in this example has a cylindrical body 24 extending along the axial direction A between a distal support portion 22 and a proximal end face (not shown in detail). The body 24 has a notch 25 that extends continuously in the radial direction R between its upper and lower surfaces. The upper end face of the movable handle portion 7, on which the drive groove 21 is provided, engages with the notch 25 in the radial direction R and is positioned between the opposing side walls 26 of the body 24 in the lateral direction. To shape-fit and block the operating element 13, the block element 14 has a block portion 27. The block portion 27 is also referred to as the shape-fit portion. The block portion 27 protrudes distally from the body 24. In this example, the block portion 27 is a block finger 28 that protrudes distally. In the block position, the block portion 27 engages with the operating element 13 from below, preventing the operating element 13 from moving to the release position. The drive pin 20 extends laterally through the main body 24 and / or the notch 25.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the block element 14 is manufactured as a single piece from a plastic material. Alternatively, the block element may be manufactured from metal and / or as multiple parts.

[0034] For example, from Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that when the operating element 13 is in the release position, displaced radially inward, the movement of the block element 14 is prevented, and therefore the movement of the movable handle portion 7 is also prevented. This is because, in the release position (not shown in detail), the operating element 13 is displaced radially inward so that the block element 14 cannot move distally. In the release position, the outer circumference 30 of the operating element 13 functions as a stopper for the block element 14, or more precisely, the end face 29 of the block portion 27. Thus, the operating element 13 also has several particularly advantageous functions. On the one hand, the operating element 13 functions to actuate the locking device 8 to release the lock. On the other hand, the operating element 13 also functions as a (further) blocking element to geometrically prevent the movement of the block element 14, and therefore the movement of the movable handle portion 7. As a result, when the operating element 13 is operated, i.e., when the lock is released, the movable handle portion 7 cannot be moved.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the block element 14 is biased by a spring load in the direction of the block position by a first spring element 31 located on the handle device 2. Due to this bias, when the medical forceps 1 is disassembled (see Figure 8), the block element 14 is always displaced to the block position. Due to the cooperative connection with the block element 14, the movable handle portion 7 is indirectly biased by a spring load by the first spring element 31. This bias acts in the direction of the functional position. Therefore, in the disassembled state, the movable handle portion 7 is always displaced to the functional position (see Figure 8). The first spring element 31 acts on the block element 14 in the axial direction A. The first spring element 31 is supported by the fixed handle portion 6 in the proximal direction and by the proximal end face (not shown in detail) of the block element 14 in the distal direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first spring element 31 is a compression spring. The spring element 31 is designed as a helical spring.

[0036] For completeness, please note that the biasing of the block element 14 and the movable handle portion 7 is not shown in the drawing of Figure 4. In other words, the movable handle portion 7 in that drawing is fixed in a stationary position against the biasing force of the first spring element 31. The same applies to the block element 14.

[0037] The biasing force provided by the first spring element 31 prevents the operating element 13 from being disengaged to the released position when the device is disassembled. This supports the correct assembly of the shaft 3 to the handle device 2, as will be described in more detail below.

[0038] When the shaft 3 and the handle device 2 are connected to each other, that is, when the medical forceps 1 is in its assembled state (Figures 1, 3, 6, and 7), in addition to the first spring element 31, the second spring element 32 also acts on the block element 14. The second spring element 32 (Figure 2) generates a spring load bias on the block element 14 in the direction of the possible position. Here, the second spring element 32 generates a stronger bias than the first spring element 31, i.e., a greater bias than the first spring element 31. In other words, the block element 14 is biased mainly in the direction of the possible position. Thus, in the assembled state, the block element 14 is always displaced to the possible position when the movable handle part 7 is not being operated. Due to the cooperative connection with the block element 14, the movable handle part 7 is indirectly biased by a spring load by the second spring element 32. This bias acts in the direction of the stationary position. This occurs even though it is also biased by the first spring element 31.

[0039] The second spring element 32 is positioned on the shaft 3. Therefore, the second spring element 32 acts on the block element 14 only when the shaft 3 is attached to the handle device 2.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the second spring element 32 also functions as a restoring spring for the push-pull element 5. The second spring element 32 acts indirectly on the block element 14 via the push-pull element 5. The second spring element 32 is located at the distal end 10 of the shaft 3. The second spring element 32 acts on the push-pull element 5 in the axial direction A, and therefore also on the block element 14. The second spring element 32 is supported in the proximal direction at the distal end 12 of the push-pull element. This support may be direct or indirect. The second spring element 32 is supported distally by a structure (not shown in detail) related to the forceps jaw 4. The design details of the forceps jaw 4 are not important with respect to the function of the second spring element 32, so further explanation is omitted. In this example, the second spring element 32 is a compression spring. The second spring element 32 is designed as a helical spring.

[0041] As further shown in Figure 2, the forceps jaw 4 of the illustrated embodiment is formed by a first jaw portion 33 and a second jaw portion 34. In the open position (Figure 2), the first jaw portion 33 and the second jaw portion 34 are moved away from each other, and in the closed position (Figure 1), the two jaw portions 33 and 34 are moved closer to each other.

[0042] The forceps jaws 4 are opened and closed in a manner well known to those skilled in the art under the action of the push-pull element. In this example, the forceps jaws 4 are closed by distal movement of the push-pull element 5. The forceps jaws 4 are opened by proximal movement of the push-pull element. Further explanation of this is not necessary for the purposes of this invention.

[0043] To lock the shaft 3 to the handle device 2, the locking device 8 in the illustrated embodiment has a spring-loaded latch 35. For interaction with the latch 35, the shaft 3 has a notch 36 at its proximal end 9. When assembled and the operating element 13 is in a stationary position and not operated, the latch 35 engages with the notch 36 in a shape-fitting manner in the axial direction A. By operating the operating element 13, the latch 35 is disengaged from the notch 36 in the radial direction R. In this example, the latch 35 is biased radially R inward by a spring. For this purpose, a third spring element 37 is present. The third spring element 37 acts indirectly on the operating element 13 via the latch 35. The operating element 13 is biased by the third spring element 37 in the direction opposite to movement to the disengaged position.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the notch 36 is an annular groove 39 extending in the circumferential direction of the shaft 3. The annular groove 39 is formed at the proximal end 11 of the shaft 3. Furthermore, the latch 35 has a through hole 38 through which the push-pull element 5 passes.

[0045] The aforementioned locking mechanism, more precisely the latch-notch connection between the latch 35 and the notch 36, prevents the shaft 3 from unintentionally detaching from the handle device 3, and vice versa. For connection with the shaft 3, the handle device 2 in this example has an outer cone 40 located distally, the outer cone 40 having a receiving hole 41. For connection with the handle device 2, the shaft 3 has an inner cone 42. In the assembled state, the outer cone 40 and the inner cone 42 are detachably inserted into each other in the axial direction. The resulting insert connection is releasably locked by the locking device 8.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 3 is composed of multiple parts, including a shaft tube 43, a shaft mounting portion 44, and a shaft extension portion 45 (Figure 3). The shaft tube 43, the shaft mounting portion 44, and the shaft extension portion 45 are connected to each other in a manner known to those skilled in the art. In this example, the inner cone 42 is formed in the shaft mounting portion 44. The notch 36 is formed in the shaft extension portion 45. In the assembled state, the shaft extension portion 45 is inserted into the receiving hole 41 and passes through the through hole 38. This design of the shaft 3 is shown as an example and will be understood to be not essential from the viewpoint of the present invention. In fact, it is possible in principle to design the shaft as a single part.

[0047] The function of the medical forceps 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6 to 10. In particular, the function of the block element 14 and its interaction with other components of the medical forceps 1 will be described. First, the assembled state will be described (Figures 6 and 7). Then, the assembly / disassembly process will be described (Figures 8, 9, and 10).

[0048] Figure 6 shows the medical forceps 1 in its assembled state, in a first configuration also called the non-operational configuration. In the first configuration, the movable handle 7 is in the stationary position. The second spring element 32 acts proximal to the block element 14 via the push-pull element 5. The first spring element 31 acts distal to the block element 14. Since the spring force of the second spring element 32 is greater than that of the first spring element 31, the spring load biasing acts mainly proximal. Therefore, the block element 14 is displaced / biased to the possible position. The movable handle 7 is displaced / biased to the stationary position. The locking is effective. Here, the latch 35 is positioned within the notch 36 by a third spring element 37. The third spring element 37 indirectly biases the operating element 13 in the opposite direction to movement to the release position, i.e., via the latch 35.

[0049] From the first configuration, the operating element 13 can be moved to the release position. This moves the latch 35 radially outward R, disengaging from the notch 36. Thus, the locking is released. Subsequently, the shaft 3 can be pulled distally away from the handle device 2. In this way, the medical forceps 1 is disassembled and / or transitions to the disassembled state (Figure 8).

[0050] The disassembled state (Figure 8) is also referred to as the third configuration. In this third configuration, the first spring element 31 displaces the block element 14 to its block position. Accordingly, the movable handle portion 7 is moved to its functional position. The movement of the operating element 13 is prevented by the shape-fit of the block element 14.

[0051] From the third configuration (Figure 8), the shaft can be reattached to the handle device 2. Such an attachment is shown in Figures 9 and 10. To attach the shaft 3, the proximal end 9 of the shaft 3 is inserted axially into the handle device 2. In this way, the aforementioned plug-in connection between the outer cone 40 and the inner cone 42 is created.

[0052] Figure 9 shows a fourth configuration in which the shaft 3 and handle device 2 are partially inserted from the third configuration. In this fourth configuration, the shaft extension 45 is inserted proximal to the receiving hole 41 together with the push-pull element 5. The latch-notch connection between the latch 35 and the notch 36 has not yet been established. Therefore, the (partial) insertion connection is not yet locked. The proximal end 11 of the push-pull element 5 is already received by the support portion 22.

[0053] Figure 10 shows a fifth configuration in which the shaft 3 and the handle device 2 are further inserted. Here, the shaft 3, together with the push-pull element 5, is moved further proximal to the handle device 2. In this way, the block element 14 is pressed proximal, i.e., toward the possible position, under the action of the proximal end 11 of the push-pull element 5. Accordingly, the movable handle portion 7 has already been partially moved toward its resting position. The operating element 13 is still geometrically blocked by the block element 14. The latch 35 is not yet positioned within the notch 36.

[0054] By further inserting the shaft 3 and the handle device 2, the fifth configuration is transformed into the first configuration (Figure 6), i.e., the assembled state.

[0055] In the assembled state and / or the first configuration, the medical forceps 1 may be operated to open and / or close the forceps jaws 4 (Figure 7, second configuration). In this example, the forceps jaws 4 are closed by moving the movable handle portion 7 from the stationary position to the functional position. When the movable handle portion 7 is pulled toward the fixed handle portion 6, the movable handle portion 7 moves counterclockwise around the pivot pin 19. In other words, the interaction between the drive groove 21 and the drive pin 20 causes the block element 14 to move distally simultaneously. Thus, on the one hand, the movement of the operating element 13 toward the release position is prevented by shape fitting. On the other hand, the block element 14 presses the push-pull element 5 distally. In this way, the push-pull element 5 is moved axially relative to the shaft 3 and the forceps jaws 4 attached to the distal side of the shaft 3. The distal end 12 acts on the forceps jaws 4 to transmit force and movement, and as a result, the forceps jaws 4 close. The push-pull element 5 moves axially distally against the spring force of the second spring element 32. When the operation of the movable handle 7 stops, the second spring element 32 moves the push-pull element 5 back proximal, the forceps jaws 4 open, the block element 14 moves to the ready position, and the movable handle 7 moves to the stationary position. Then, the first configuration is restored. The items listed below are those that were included in the claims of the patent application at the time of filing. (Item 1) A medical device (1) for applying medical clips in particular, A handle device (2) comprising a fixed handle portion (6), a movable handle portion (7) that can be moved by hand relative to the fixed handle portion (6) between an unoperated stationary position and an operated functional position, and a locking device (8), The locking device (8) provides a long, slender shaft (3) whose proximal end (9) is releasably locked to the handle device (2), The instrument jaw (4) is positioned at the distal end (10) of the shaft (3) and is movable between an open position and a closed position by the operation of the movable handle portion (7), The instrument has an elongated push-pull element (5) that is axially movably guided within the shaft (3), and is cooperatively connected to the movable handle portion (7) at its proximal end and to the instrument jaw (4) at its distal end for force and motion transmission, The locking device (8) To release the aforementioned lock, an operating element (13) that can be moved by hand to the release position, A block element (14) that is cooperatively connected to the movable handle portion (7), When the movable handle portion (7) is in the functional position, the block element (14) is moved to a block position that prevents the movement of the operating element (13) in a shape-fitting manner. When the movable handle portion (7) is in the stationary position, the block element (14) is moved to a possible position where the operating element (13) can move, A medical device (1) characterized by having the following. (Item 2) The operating element (13) in the release position is characterized in that it prevents the movement of the block element (14) to the block position and / or the movement of the movable handle portion (7) to the function position. Medical devices listed in item 1 (1). (Item 3) The aforementioned block element (14) is The first spring element (31) positioned in the handle device (2) biases the block position in the aforementioned direction with a spring load. In the locked state of the shaft (3), a spring load is biased in the direction of the possible position by the second spring element (32) disposed on the shaft (3). The second spring element (32) is characterized by generating a greater bias than the first spring element (31). Medical devices as described in item 1 or 2 (1). (Item 4) The operating element (13) is movable in the radial direction (R) of the push-pull element (5), The block element (14) is characterized in that it is movable in the axial direction (A) of the push-pull element (15), A medical device (1) listed in one of the preceding items. (Item 5) The operating element (13) is a push button (15) that can be pushed to the release position. The block element (14) is characterized by being a linearly movable slide (17) that slides at least partially under the push button (15) at the block position. A medical device (1) listed in one of the preceding items. (Item 6) The movable handle portion (7) is attached to the fixed handle portion (6) so as to be rotatable about the pivot pin (19), The block element (14) is oriented parallel to the pivot pin (19) and has a drive pin (20) that interacts with a drive groove (21) provided on the end face of the movable handle portion (7), A medical device (1) listed in one of the preceding items. (Item 7) The movable handle portion (7) acts on the proximal end (11) of the push-pull element (5) via the block element (14) to transmit force and motion. A medical device (1) listed in one of the preceding items. (Item 8) The block element (14) has a support portion (22) located distal to it, The proximal end (11) of the push-pull element (5) is supported by the support portion (22) in the axial direction (A) and / or is received in a shape-fitting manner in the radial direction (R). Medical devices listed in item 7 (1). (Item 9) The locking device (8) is characterized by having a spring-type latch (35) that engages with the notch (36) of the shaft (3) in a shape-fitting manner in the axial direction (A), and which can be released from engagement with the notch (36) by the operating element (13), A medical device (1) listed in one of the preceding items.

Claims

1. A medical device (1) for applying medical clips in particular, A handle device (2) comprising a fixed handle portion (6), a movable handle portion (7) that can be moved by hand relative to the fixed handle portion (6) between an unoperated stationary position and an operated functional position, and a locking device (8), The locking device (8) provides a long, slender shaft (3) whose proximal end (9) is releasably locked to the handle device (2), The instrument jaw (4) is positioned at the distal end (10) of the shaft (3) and is movable between an open position and a closed position by the operation of the movable handle portion (7), The instrument has an elongated push-pull element (5) that is axially movably guided within the shaft (3), and is cooperatively connected at the proximal end to the movable handle portion (7) and at the distal end to the instrument jaw (4) for force and motion transmission, The locking device (8) To release the aforementioned lock, an operating element (13) that can be moved by hand to the release position, A block element (14) that is cooperatively connected to the movable handle portion (7), When the movable handle portion (7) is in the functional position, the block element (14) is moved to a block position that prevents the movement of the operating element (13) in a shape-fitting manner. The movable handle portion (7) is in the stationary position, and the block element (14) is moved to a position where the operating element (13) can move. The movable handle portion (7) is attached to the fixed handle portion (6) so as to be rotatable about the pivot pin (19), A medical device (1) characterized in that the block element (14) is oriented parallel to the pivot pin (19) and has a drive pin (20) that interacts with a drive groove (21) provided on the end face of the movable handle portion (7).

2. The operating element (13) in the release position is characterized in that it prevents the movement of the block element (14) to the block position and / or the movement of the movable handle portion (7) to the function position. The medical device (1) according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned block element (14) is The first spring element (31) positioned in the handle device (2) biases the block in the direction of the block position with a spring load. In the locked state of the shaft (3), a second spring element (32) positioned on the shaft (3) biases it with a spring load in the direction of the possible position. The second spring element (32) is characterized by generating a greater bias than the first spring element (31). A medical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The operating element (13) is movable in the radial direction (R) of the push-pull element (5), The block element (14) is characterized in that it is movable in the axial direction (A) of the push-pull element (5), The medical device (1) according to claim 1.

5. The operating element (13) is a push button (15) that can be pushed to the release position. The block element (14) is characterized by being a linearly movable slide (17) that slides at least partially under the push button (15) at the block position. The medical device (1) according to claim 4.

6. The movable handle portion (7) acts on the proximal end (11) of the push-pull element (5) via the block element (14) to transmit force and motion. The medical device (1) according to claim 1.

7. The block element (14) has a support portion (22) located distal to it, The proximal end (11) of the push-pull element (5) is supported by the support portion (22) in the axial direction (A) and / or is received in a shape-fitting manner in the radial direction (R). The medical device (1) according to claim 6.

8. The locking device (8) is characterized by having a spring-type latch (35) that engages with the notch (36) of the shaft (3) in a shape-fitting manner in the axial direction (A), and which can be released from engagement with the notch (36) by the operating element (13). The medical device (1) according to claim 1.

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