INTERFACE BETWEEN USER AND LAPAROSCOPIC TOOLS

• US 20150164601A1
• Filed: 02/26/2015
• Published: 06/18/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Human Extensions Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Human Extensions Ltd.
• Inventors: SHOLEV, Mordehai
• Application Number:
  US14/632,061
• Publication Number:
  US 20150164601A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00442 connectable to wrist or forearm
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2929 with a head rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/508 with releasable brake mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/70 Manipulators specially adapted for use in surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/50 Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/53 connected to the surgeon's body, e.g. by a belt

Abstract

The laparoscopic tool interface comprises a frame attachable to an upper extremity of a user; a controller operatively connected to a laparoscopic tool and arranged for manipulation by a hand of a user; and, a mounting on the frame for the laparoscopic tool; and, wherein operating parts for tool position movements of the laparoscopic tool being separated from the controller and wherein a shaft of said laparoscopic tool not being coaxial with the upper extremity of said user and/or not being coaxial with said controller. The functions of positioning of the laparoscopic tool and operating the tool are separated. Movement of the upper extremity of the user and/or movement of a joint enable positioning of the tool to a preferred point and at the right orientation. The fingers of the user effect operational movement of the tool.

Claims

1. A laparoscopic tool interface comprising:

a frame attachable to an upper extremity of a user;

a controller operatively connected to a laparoscopic tool and arranged for manipulation by a hand of a user; and

, a mounting on said frame for said laparoscopic tool; and

, wherein operating parts for tool position movements of said laparoscopic tool being separated from said controller and wherein a shaft of said laparoscopic tool not being coaxial with said upper extremity of said user.

2. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 1, wherein said mounting comprising:

a joint between said tool shaft of said laparoscopic tool and said frame.

3. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 1, wherein said mounting comprising:

a pair of jaws for holding said laparoscopic tool; and

said frame further comprising a shaft having a worm on its distal end; and

a pair of gears in mesh with said worm, and wherein each of said jaws being mounted on a respective spur gear.

4. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 1, wherein said mounting comprising grasping elements for preventing tilting of laparoscopic tool.

5. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 4, wherein said grasping elements for preventing tilting comprises:

a pair of jaws for holding said laparoscopic tool;

a shaft located in the frame and having a worm on its distal end; and

a pair of gears in mesh with said worm, and wherein each of said jaws being mounted on a respective spur gear.

6. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 1, wherein said mounting comprising a brake mechanism for preventing rotation of said shaft of said laparoscopic tool.

7. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 1, further comprising articulating elements for changing an angle between said shaft of said laparoscopic tool and said upper extremity of said user.

8. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 7, wherein said articulating elements comprises a pair of arc shaped tracks mounted on a distal end of said frame, and means for operatively moving said mounting in relation to said arc shaped tracks to facilitate angular displacement of said laparoscopic tool.

9. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 2, further comprising an articulated link mechanism for supporting said joint on said frame.

10. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 9, wherein said articulated link mechanism maintains said shaft of the laparoscopic tool in a relative position to the arm of the user.

11. A laparoscopic tool interface comprising:

a frame attachable to an upper extremity of a user, said frame including a shaft having a worm on its distal end and a pair of gears in mesh with said worm;

a controller operatively connected to a laparoscopic tool and arranged for manipulation by a hand of a user to effect operation of said laparoscopic tool; and

, a mounting on said frame for said laparoscopic tool, said mounting including a pair of jaws for holding said laparoscopic tool, each of said jaws being mounted on a respective gear of said pair of gears;

wherein positioning of said laparoscopic tool is effected by movement of said upper extremity of said user and/or said mounting.

12. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 11, wherein said mounting comprising:

a joint between said tool shaft of said laparoscopic tool and said frame.

13. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 11, wherein said mounting comprising a brake mechanism for preventing rotation of said shaft of said laparoscopic tool.

14. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 11, further comprising articulating elements for changing an angle between said shaft of said laparoscopic tool and said upper extremity of said user.

15. A laparoscopic tool interface according to claim 12, further comprising an articulated link mechanism for supporting said joint on said frame.

16. A method of using a laparoscopic tool comprising the steps of:

attaching a frame to an upper extremity of a user;

positioning a mounting on said frame for said laparoscopic tool;

securing said laparoscopic tool in said mounting thereby allowing a relaxed position of said laparoscopic device to be at an approximate 90 degree relationship to the upper extremity of the user;

operatively connecting a controller to said laparoscopic tool and arranging said controller for manipulation by a hand of said user; and

, initiating movement of said laparoscopic tool by manipulation of said controller and/or by movement of an upper extremity of said user.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein said manipulation of said controller by said hand of said user effects operation of said laparoscopic tool;

and, positioning of said laparoscopic tool is effected by movement of said upper extremity of said user and/or said mounting.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said shaft of the laparoscopic tool is maintained in a relative position to the upper extremity of the user even when said upper extremity of said user is moved.

19. A method according to claim 16, further comprising preventing tilting of said shaft of said laparoscopic tool with respect to said mounting.

20. A method according to claim 16, further comprising preventing rotation of said shaft of said laparoscopic tool in said mounting.