Tissue retractor for laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

A tissue retractor for laparoscopic surgery according to the present invention is a device for retracting tissues including organs in the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic surgery. The device has a structure in which four bar-shaped main frames are connected to each other to form a rhombus shape, and the four vertices thereof can be folded or unfolded. Accordingly, when one pair of first vertices facing each other are completely folded and the other pair of second vertices are completely unfolded, the device becomes a straight line and can be inserted into the abdominal cavity via a trocar installed in a surgical incision.

Description

Tissue traction device for laparoscopic surgery

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool used in laparoscopic surgery, and more particularly, to a tissue traction device for laparoscopic surgery that can lift or adjust the position of organs or tissues inside the abdominal cavity to secure a surgical target and field of view during laparoscopic surgery.

[0002] The number of patients with gallbladder-related problems is countless both domestically and internationally.

[0003] Patients with cholecystitis and gallbladder polyps that meet surgical indications will undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible, and a significant number of these will undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is usually performed through three to four surgical incisions.

[0004] Generally, laparoscopic surgery is a non-invasive procedure performed through minimally invasive incisions, using a camera to visualize the abdominal cavity. Depending on the number of incisions, laparoscopic surgery can be broadly categorized into multi-incision and single-incision laparoscopic surgery. Multi-incision laparoscopic surgery utilizes multiple incisions. Despite the disadvantage of leaving multiple scars around the navel, it is widely used for its ease of use.

[0005] However, recently, the frequency of performing single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is increasing, taking into account the patient's pathological condition and wishes to achieve superior cosmetic results.

[0006] Single-port laparoscopic surgery is a method in which all surgical instruments are inserted through a very small hole, i.e., only one wound, made by making an incision of approximately 3 to 4 cm in one place, for example, in the navel area. Compared to laparoscopic surgery using multiple penetration needles, it is much less invasive and has the advantage of leaving a scar around the navel that is barely visible.

[0007] Typically, single-port surgery involves inserting three surgical instruments through a single incision below the navel: one for the laparoscopic camera and two for the surgeon. Unlike traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy, this approach eliminates the need for an instrumental passageway for the assistant. This can increase the difficulty and time of the surgery, particularly if the liver is large or the gallbladder is obscured by the liver. In severe cases, the surgery may not be completed properly.

[0008] In this case, it is possible to perform the surgery by making one more surgical incision for the assistant surgeon, but this has the problem that the advantages of single-incision surgery are largely lost.

[0009] Adjusting the position of the liver during laparoscopic surgery is a major challenge for surgeons, and various methods have been proposed to solve this problem, and surgical instruments have been developed, but all of them require a surgical hole of 5 mm or more in the abdominal cavity, create a wound that requires suturing and management, or connect complex joint devices, which are burdensome to manage and store.

[0010] To solve these problems, various traction devices have been proposed, such as the prior arts below.

[0011] However, most traction devices have a complex structure and are difficult to use, requiring practice for skilled operation and requiring an assistant surgeon.

[0012] Additionally, the advantage of single-port surgery is lost because an additional trocar must be used to drill the surgical incision to insert these instruments.

[0013] Additionally, the high cost of tools and equipment limits their use for single-use.

[0014] As prior art documents, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0152944 (November 17, 2022) (device for traction of human tissue in laparoscopic surgery), Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0078070 (July 4, 2019) (tissue traction device for laparoscopic surgery) and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0126604 (November 20, 2017) (traction device for laparoscopic surgery) are known.

[0015] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a tissue traction device for laparoscopic surgery, which is configured with a structure that is easy to change shape, and which can be inserted into the abdominal cavity through a single port during single-port laparoscopic surgery, and can easily traction organs or tissues by changing shape inside the abdominal cavity using a surgical tool with forceps.

[0016] The tissue traction device for laparoscopic surgery according to the present invention is a device for traction of tissues including organs in the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic surgery, wherein four main frames in the shape of bars are connected to each other to form a diamond shape, and the four corners are structured to be foldable or unfoldable, so that when a pair of first corners facing each other are completely folded and another pair of second corners are completely unfolded, it becomes a straight shape, and can be inserted into the abdominal cavity through a trocar installed in a surgical port.

[0017] Here, the first and second vertex portions are provided to have a relatively small thickness compared to the thickness of the main frame, and a rounded portion having a round shape is formed, so that the structure can be easily folded and unfolded.

[0018] At this time, it is preferable that a protruding stone piece is formed at one of the first vertex portions so that it can be gripped by a surgical instrument equipped with forceps, and that a bent catch is formed at the end of the stone piece so as to prevent the forceps from coming off when gripping with the forceps.

[0019] And, among the first vertex portions, a first vertex portion where the stone fragment is not formed may have a settling groove formed so that the tongs can enter and be settling therein.

[0020] Meanwhile, a reinforcing frame is connected between each of the two adjacent main frames, and the central portion and both ends of the reinforcing frame can be formed with a relatively thin thickness compared to the thickness of the reinforcing frame so that folding and unfolding are easy.

[0021] At this time, the central portions of each of the reinforcing frames are connected to each other by a connecting member, so that the two reinforcing frames can support and reinforce the main frame while forming an 'X' shape.

[0022] According to the present invention described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0023] First, since single-port surgery is possible, and tissue can be pulled by only passing a surgical instrument the size of a needle without having to drill an additional surgical port to insert a traction device, the advantages of single-port surgery are maximized, but surgery can be performed without an assistant surgeon.

[0024] Second, scarring can be minimized because there is no need for additional surgical incisions.

[0025] Third, it is made of resin and is inexpensive, so it is easy to manufacture even for single use.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a tissue traction device for laparoscopic surgery representing one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lower side of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 is an operating state diagram of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 is a photograph showing a state of pulling an organ (liver) during laparoscopic surgery using the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 is a photograph showing an example of a surgical tool with forceps.

[0031] <Explanation of symbols>

[0032] 100: Mainframe 110: First vertex

[0033] 111: Stone fragment 112: Snag

[0034] 113: Settling groove 120: Second vertex

[0035] 200: Reinforcement frame 210: Central part

[0036] 220: Both ends 230: Connecting member

[0037] R: Rounding part G: Tongs

[0038] The following examples of the present invention are provided to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In other words, the following examples are provided to ensure a complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the invention of the scope of the invention. The present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned.

[0040] Additionally, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used with meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0041] In addition, when explaining the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description may be omitted.

[0042] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a laparoscopic surgical tissue retraction device showing an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view looking downward of the present invention shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a plan view of the present invention shown in Fig. 1.

[0043] Referring to the drawing, the present invention is largely composed of four main frames (100) and two reinforcing frames (200), wherein the main frames (100) have a diamond shape, and the reinforcing frames (200) intersect in an 'X' shape to maintain and reinforce the shape of the main frames (100).

[0044] In particular, the present invention is characterized by having a structure in which the inner angle of each vertex of the main frame (100) can be changed, so that it can be completely folded into a straight shape and easily inserted into the abdominal cavity through a trocar, and can be deformed into an unfolded state to support and pull the tissues in the abdominal cavity.

[0045] First, the mainframe (100) will be described.

[0046] The above main frame (100) is formed in a bar shape, and is provided with four of the same length, each connected to each other to form a closed square, specifically a diamond shape.

[0047] The four vertices (110, 120) where the ends of the main frame (100) meet each other are formed to be relatively thinner than the width or thickness of the main frame (100). Therefore, the vertices (110, 120) can become points where the main frame (100) folds or unfolds like a hinge.

[0048] And the above-mentioned vertex portion (110, 120) can have a structure in which a rounded portion (R) of a round shape is formed, making folding and unfolding easier.

[0049] Since the material of the above main frame (100) can be made of a resin such as TPU, the vertex portion can have elasticity that allows it to be restored to its original state even if deformed.

[0050] Accordingly, when two opposite vertices among the above vertices (110, 120) are completely folded, the other two vertices are completely unfolded, so that the present invention can be in a straight shape, and thus can be inserted into the abdominal cavity through a trocar installed in the surgical instrument.

[0051] When inserted into the abdominal cavity, the two folded vertices unfold due to elasticity and return to a diamond shape, allowing gripping with a forceps-equipped surgical instrument inside the abdominal cavity. The specific method of use will be described later.

[0052] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned vertex portions (110, 120) are described by distinguishing one pair facing each other as the first vertex portion (110) and the other pair facing each other as the second vertex portion (120).

[0053] It is preferable that a protruding stone piece (111) is formed on one of the first vertex portions (110). Specifically, the stone piece (111) is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the first vertex portion (110) toward the first vertex portion (110) facing from below.

[0054] And, a portion of the first vertex (110) facing the surface is cut to form a fixing groove (113).

[0055] The above-mentioned fixing groove (113) allows the slender body of a surgical instrument equipped with forceps to be fixed upon entry.

[0056] Accordingly, the present invention, which has been inserted into the abdominal cavity, is placed in a position where it passes through the placement groove (113) using a surgical instrument equipped with forceps, and by gripping the protrusion (111) with the forceps (G), the second vertex (120) is folded, and the present invention is unfolded into a butterfly-like shape to be able to support organs or tissues.

[0057] Preferably, a vertically bent and upwardly protruding catch (112) may be further formed at the end of the above-mentioned stone piece (111). The catch (112) makes it easy to grip with forceps and maintains a more firmly clamped state.

[0058] Next, the above-mentioned reinforcing frame (200) will be described.

[0059] The above reinforcing frame (200) maintains the diamond shape formed by the main frame (100) and improves strength to provide sufficient traction force during towing.

[0060] The above reinforcing frame (200) is formed in a bar shape and is provided in pairs to connect and support two adjacent main frames (100) among the above main frames (100).

[0061] That is, one end of one reinforcing frame (200) is connected to the center of one main frame (100), and the other end is connected to the center of another adjacent main frame (100).

[0062] And one end of another reinforcing frame (200) is connected to the center of another main frame (100), and the other end is connected to the center of another adjacent main frame (100).

[0063] At this time, it is preferable that the central portion (210) of the reinforcing frame (200) be formed to have a relatively thin thickness compared to the thickness or width of the reinforcing frame (200) so that folding and unfolding can be easily performed, similar to the vertex portions (110, 120), and at the same time, a rounding portion (R) is formed.

[0064] In addition, it is preferable that the reinforcing frame (200), which is a portion connected to the main frame (100), is formed with a relatively thin thickness at both ends (220).

[0065] Accordingly, the central portion of the reinforcing frame (200) can be folded or unfolded by elasticity, and at the same time, both ends can be folded or unfolded with respect to the combined main frame (100).

[0066] What is important is that the length of the reinforcing frame (200) is designed to be approximately half the length of the main frame (100), so that when the second vertex (120) is fully unfolded, the reinforcing frame (200) is also fully unfolded, so that the present invention can be in a straight shape that can pass through the trocar.

[0067] Here, the central portions of the reinforcing frames (200) may not be connected to each other, but it is preferable to be connected to each other by a connecting member (230) as shown.

[0068] Due to the above connecting member (230), the reinforcing frame (200) forms a structure in which the reinforcing frame (200) intersects with each other in an 'X' shape, thereby allowing the main frame (100) and the reinforcing frame (200) to maintain elasticity while structurally improving strength like a truss structure. Therefore, even heavy organs or tissues such as the liver can be easily towed.

[0069] Additionally, it is preferable that the connecting member (230) connects the lower portions of the central portions of the reinforcing frames (200) to each other, thereby forming a space through which the surgical instrument equipped with forceps can easily pass between the facing central portions (210) of the reinforcing frames (200) when gripping the stone fragment (111).

[0070] The operating state of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0071] Figure 3 is a diagram of the operating state of the present invention. Here, Figure 3(a) shows a shape for insertion into the abdominal cavity through a single hole, and Figure 3(b) shows a state for pulling after insertion into the abdominal cavity.

[0072] And Fig. 4 is a photograph showing a state in which an organ (liver) is pulled during laparoscopic surgery using the present invention. Here, Fig. 4(a) shows the present invention unfolded as a surgical instrument with forceps for pulling the liver.

[0073] Also, Figure 5 is a photograph showing an example of a surgical tool with forceps.

[0074] Because existing traction devices require separate preparation and have complex structures, even with single-port surgery, an additional surgical incision must be made in the abdomen to insert the device. However, the present invention offers the significant advantage of eliminating the need for additional surgical incisions by inserting the device through a single incision into the abdomen. Furthermore, existing surgical instruments can be used to penetrate the abdomen at a different location, gripping the device, and then traction the tissue.

[0075] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3(a), the second vertex is completely unfolded, and the first vertex is made into a straight line shape in a completely folded state, and then the present invention is pushed into the abdomen through a trocar installed in a single hole.

[0076] And the position of the present invention that has been inserted can be approached adjacent to the organ or tissue to be pulled, which can be done by the surgeon manually through a single hole.

[0077] The present invention, when injected into the abdominal cavity, is restored to a diamond shape as shown in Figures 1 and 2 due to elasticity.

[0078] In this state, as shown in Fig. 5, a surgical tool with forceps, for example, a fascia closure device, which has a sharp end to easily pierce the skin and a surgical tool with a structure in which forceps (G) are formed, can be used.

[0079] That is, the surgeon uses the surgical tool with the forceps (G) with the other hand to penetrate the abdominal cavity at a different location in the abdomen so that the forceps (G) enter the abdominal cavity.

[0080] And while the surgeon monitors the inside of the abdominal cavity through the laparoscope, he holds the present invention with one hand, and when the forceps (G) is positioned adjacent to the forceps (G) and passes the connecting member (230) while being seated in the fixing groove (113) and reaches the stone fragment (111), he uses the handle of the surgical instrument with the other hand from the outside to spread the forceps and then grips the stone fragment (111) as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0081] At this time, the second vertex (120) of the main frame (100) is folded, and the first vertex (110) is unfolded, so that the stone piece (111) and the fixing groove (113) become closer to each other, so that the present invention can form a diamond or butterfly shape as shown in Fig. 4(a) as a whole.

[0082] While maintaining the state of gripping the above-mentioned stone fragment (111) with the forceps (G), the main frame (100) and the reinforcing frame (200) of the present invention can be pulled or pushed against the organ or tissue to be pulled, as shown in Fig. 4(b).

[0083] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to drawings according to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make various applications and modifications within the scope of the present invention based on the above contents.

Claims

1. A device for pulling tissues including organs in the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic surgery. It consists of four main frames in the shape of a bar, connected to each other to form a rhombus shape, and the four corners are structured to be able to fold or unfold. A laparoscopic tissue traction device characterized in that a pair of first vertices facing each other are completely folded and another pair of second vertices are completely unfolded to form a straight line, and can be inserted into the abdominal cavity through a trocar installed in a surgical instrument.

2. In paragraph 1, A laparoscopic tissue traction device characterized in that the first and second vertices are provided with a relatively small thickness compared to the thickness of the main frame, and a rounded portion is formed, so that the structure is easy to fold and unfold.

3. In paragraph 1, A laparoscopic tissue traction device characterized in that a protruding protrusion is formed on one of the first vertex portions so that it can be gripped by a surgical instrument equipped with forceps.

4. In paragraph 3, A tissue traction device for laparoscopic surgery, characterized in that a bent catch is formed at the end of the above stone piece to prevent detachment of the forceps when gripping with the forceps.

5. In paragraph 3, A laparoscopic surgical tissue traction device, characterized in that a fixing groove is formed in a first vertex portion among the first vertex portions where the stone fragment is not formed so that the forceps can enter and be fixed.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A reinforcing frame is connected between each of the two adjacent main frames. A tissue traction device for laparoscopic surgery, characterized in that the central portion and both ends of the reinforcing frame are formed with a relatively thin thickness compared to the thickness of the reinforcing frame to facilitate folding and unfolding.

7. In paragraph 6, A tissue traction device for laparoscopic surgery, characterized in that the central portions of the above reinforcing frames are connected to each other by a connecting member, so that the two reinforcing frames can support and reinforce the main frame while forming an 'X' shape.

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