Biopsy forceps having a detachable proximal handle and distal jaws

• US 5,454,378 A
• Filed: 04/02/1993
• Issued: 10/03/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Symbiosis Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Symbiosis Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Palmer, Matthew A., Slater, Charles R., Rodriguez, Sergio, Whittier, John R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen, Lee S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GILBERT, SAMUEL G
• Application Number:
  US08/042,606
• Time in Patent Office: 914 Days
• Field of Search: 128/749, 128/751, 606/205-208, 606/170-171, 606/142, 606/190, 16/114 R, 16/DIG. 12, 16/DIG. 24, 16/DIG. 41, 16/DIG. 42, 7/167, 30/329, 403/DIG. 4
• US Class Current: 600/564
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/02 Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy A61B10/0038 and A61B10/0045 take precedence; needle locating or guiding means A61B17/3403; samplers for enzymology or microbiology C12M1/26; sampling or preparing biological specimens G01N33/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/06 Biopsy forceps , e.g. with cup-shaped jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00234 for minimally invasive surgery A61B17/0218, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1402 Probes for open surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1445 at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0088 ceramic
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/292 connection of actuating rod to handle, e.g. ball end in recess
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00077 high, i.e. electrically conducting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00083 low, i.e. electrically insulating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00107 Coatings on the energy applicator
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00148 with metal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/126 bipolar
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1412 Blade
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1415 multiple blades
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1455 having a moving blade for cutting tissue grasped by the jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0803 Counting the number of times an instrument is used
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0276 : Determining malfunction
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6081 : Colour codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06M 1/041 : for drum-type indicating means
• CPC Class Codes: G06M 3/12 : for preventing incorrect actuation, e.g. for preventing falsification

Abstract

An endoscopic biopsy forceps has a detachable proximal handle portion and a distal portion which includes a pair of jaws mounted at the distal end of a flexible conduit. At least one pull wire extends through the conduit and is coupled to the jaws so that movement of the pull wire(s) through the conduit causes the jaws to open and close. The proximal end of the pull wire(s) is provided with a mating tip and the proximal end of the conduit is provided with a mating sleeve. The handle portion includes a shaft and a spool. The conduit is detachably attached to the shaft, while the pull wire(s) is detachably attached to the spool. Attachment is effected by spring biased coupling devices which engage the mating tip of the pull wire(s) and the mating sleeve of the conduit.

Claims

1. An endoscopic biopsy forceps comprising:

a) a flexible conduit having a proximal and a distal end, said proximal end of said conduit being provided with a first mating means for mating with a coupling means;

b) a pair of jaws mounted at the distal end of said flexible conduit;

c) at least one pull wire having a proximal and a distal end, the distal end of said pull wire being coupled to said pair of jaws, said pull wire extending through said conduit and said proximal end of said pull wire extending beyond said proximal end of said conduit, movement of said pull wire through said conduit effecting opening and closing of said jaws, said proximal end of said pull wire being provided with a second mating means for mating with a coupling means;

d) a handle having first coupling means for detachably attaching to said first mating means, and second coupling means for detachably attaching to said second mating means, handle including actuating means for moving said pull wire through said conduit, wherein,

one of said first mating means and said first coupling means is spring biased, and one of said second mating means and said second coupling means is spring biased, such that insertion of said proximal end of said flexible conduit and said proximal end of said pull wire into said handle automatically couples said first mating means to said first coupling means and said second mating means is automatically coupled to said second coupling means upon one of said insertion and movement of said actuation means.

2. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 1, wherein:

said first coupling means is spring biased such that insertion of said first mating means into said first coupling means moves said first coupling means and couples said first mating means to said first coupling means.

3. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 2, wherein:

said handle includes a shaft and an annular movable member through which said shaft extends, said shaft having a transverse slot, said annular movable member having a transverse member extending through said slot such that said annular movable member is captured by said shaft,

said transverse member includes said second coupling means, and

said second coupling means comprises at least one leaf spring, and

said second mating means includes a mating tip with a distal portion of smaller diameter than a proximal portion of said mating tip, wherein said leaf spring is bendable by said mating tip and engages said mating tip distal of said proximal portion of said mating tip.

4. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 2, wherein:

said first coupling means includes,

a first sliding member having a throughbore which receives said first mating means, said throughbore having an inner rim,

a body member having a central throughbore which receives said first mating means, and a channel which holds said first sliding member,

a spring which biases said first sliding member relative to said body member so that said inner rim partially obstructs said central throughbore of said body member, and wherein

said first mating means comprises a sleeve having a circumferential groove which engages said inner rim.

5. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 4, wherein:

said first sliding member throughbore has a ramped entrance,

said mating sleeve has a tapered proximal end, wherein

upon insertion of said mating sleeve into said first coupling means, said tapered proximal end engages said ramped entrance and moves said first sliding member against said spring.

6. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 5, wherein:

said first sliding member includes manually operable means for moving said first sliding member against said spring to move said inner rim away from said groove and to permit uncoupling of said first mating means from said first coupling means.

7. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 2, wherein:

said handle includes a shaft and an annular movable member through which said shaft extends, said shaft having a transverse slot, and said shaft having an axial bore in its distal end, and said annular member having transverse member extending through said slot such that said annular movable member is captured by said shaft, and

said first coupling means is located on said distal end of said shaft, and said proximal end of said flexible conduit and said proximal end of said pull wire are inserted into said axial bore of said shaft.

8. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 7, wherein:

said first coupling means includes extension means for extending said first coupling means proximal of said annular movable member.

9. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 8, wherein:

said extension means includes a finger flange at a proximal end thereof.

10. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 2, wherein:

said second coupling means is spring biased such that insertion of said second mating means into said second coupling means moves said second coupling means and couples said second mating means to said second coupling means.

11. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 10, wherein:

said handle includes a shaft and an annular movable member through which said shaft extends, said shaft having a transverse slot, said annular movable member having a transverse member extending through said slot such that said annular movable member is captured by said shaft, and

said transverse member includes said second coupling means.

12. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 11, wherein:

said second coupling means comprises at least one moving member having a catching lip and a spring which biases said moving member transverse said second mating means, and

said second mating means includes a tapered mating tip having a groove behind said tapered mating tip, wherein

said catching lip mates in said groove.

13. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 12, wherein:

said moving member is a sliding member which slides transverse said second mating means,

said catching lip has a tapered surface which terminates in a shoulder, wherein said tapered mating tip when contacting said tapered surface overcomes the bias provided by said spring and moves said sliding member transversely, and when said tapered mating tip passes by said tapered surface, said shoulder mates with said groove.

14. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 12, wherein:

said moving member has a tang extending parallel to said pull wire, said tang having a tapered surface, and said distal end of said shaft slot includes an engaging edge aligned with said tapered surface of said tang such that axial movement of said tapered surface of said tang into engagement with said engaging edge of said shaft slot overcomes the bias provided by said spring and moves said sliding member transversely.

15. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 12, wherein:

said moving member having a catching lip comprises a hinged arm which is hinged to said movable member distally of said spring, and

said catching lip has a tapered surface which terminates in a shoulder, wherein said tapered mating tip when contacting said tapered surface overcomes the bias provided by said spring and moves said catching lip transversely, and when said tapered mating tip passes by said tapered surface, said shoulder mates with said groove.

16. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 15, wherein:

said distal end of said shaft slot includes an engaging edge aligned with said arm such that axial movement of said arm into engagement with said engaging edge of said shaft slot overcomes the bias provided by said spring and moves said catching lip transversely.

17. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 12, wherein:

said sliding member has a tang extending parallel to said pull wire, said tang having a tapered surface, and

said annular movable member has a spring loaded collar in its annulus, said spring loaded collar having a proximal tapered surface aligned with said tapered surface of said tang such that axial movement of said proximal tapered surface of said collar overcomes the bias provided by said spring and moves said sliding member transversely.

18. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 17, further comprising:

a second spring which spring loads said spring loaded collar distally, and

said shaft includes a release shoulder distal said annular movable member, said release shoulder aligned with the distal surface of said spring loaded collar to contact said spring loaded collar when said annular movable member is moved distally.

19. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 17, wherein:

said first coupling means includes extension means for extending said first coupling means proximal of said annular movable member, and

said extension means includes a radial protrusion on its outer surface and distal said annular movable member which engages said collar to uncouple said second mating means and said second coupling means.

20. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 1, wherein:

said second mating means is spring biased.

21. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 20, wherein:

said first mating means comprises a sleeve which receives said flexible conduit, said sleeve having at least one resilient external arm terminating in a resilient barb, and

said first coupling means comprises a lip on said handle having an angled entry through which said resilient barb can be forced, and an annular space proximal said angled entry which receives said resilient barb.

22. An endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 21, wherein:

said resilient external arm of said sleeve includes a finger grip indentation which when squeezed cause said resilient barb to disengage from said annular space.

23. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps having a jaw coupled to a distal end of a flexible conduit and a pull wire coupled to the jaw and extending through the conduit for opening and closing the jaw and a handle coupled to a proximal end of the conduit, the handle having actuating means coupled to a proximal end of the pull wire for moving the pull wire through the conduit to open and close the jaw, the improvement

means for rapidly coupling and uncoupling the pull wire and conduit to the handle, said means for rapidly coupling and uncoupling comprising,

a) first mating means for mating with a coupling means attached to the proximal end of the conduit;

b) second mating means for mating with a coupling means attached to the proximal end of the pull wire;

c) first coupling means for releasingly coupling with said first mating means, said first coupling means attached to a distal end of the handle; and

d) second coupling means for releasingly coupling with said second mating means, said second coupling means located on the handle, wherein,

one of said first mating means and said first coupling means is spring biased, and one of said second mating means and said second coupling means is spring biased, such that insertion of the proximal end of the flexible conduit and the proximal end of the pull wire into the handle automatically couples said first mating means to said first coupling means and said second mating means is automatically coupled to said second coupling means upon one of said insertion and movement of the actuating means.

24. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 23, wherein:

said first coupling means is spring biased such that insertion of said first mating means into said first coupling means moves said first coupling means and couples said first mating means to said first coupling means.

25. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 24, wherein:

said first coupling means includes,

a first sliding member having a throughbore which receives said first mating means, said throughbore having an inner rim,

a body member having a central throughbore which receives said first mating means, and a channel which holds said first sliding member,

a spring which biases said first sliding member relative to said body member so that said inner rim partially obstructs said central throughbore of said body member, and wherein

said first mating means comprises a sleeve having a circumferential groove which engages said inner rim.

said first sliding member throughbore has a ramped entrance,

said mating sleeve has a tapered proximal end, wherein

upon insertion of said mating sleeve into said first coupling means, said tapered proximal end engages said ramped entrance and moves said first sliding member against said spring.

26. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 25, wherein:

said first sliding member includes manually operable means for moving said first sliding member against said spring to move said inner rim away from said groove and to permit uncoupling of said first mating means from said first coupling means.

27. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 24, wherein:

the handle includes a shaft and an annular movable member through which said shaft extends, said shaft having a transverse slot, said annular movable member having a transverse member extending through said slot such that said annular movable member is captured by said shaft,

said transverse member includes said second coupling means, and

said second coupling means comprises at least one leaf spring, and

said second mating means includes a mating tip with a distal portion of smaller diameter than a proximal portion of said mating tip, wherein said leaf spring is bendable by said mating tip and engages said mating tip distal of said proximal portion of said mating tip.

28. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 23, wherein:

the handle includes a shaft and an annular movable member through which said shaft extends, said shaft having a transverse slot, and said shaft having an axial bore in its distal end, and said annular member having a transverse member extending through said slot such that said annular movable member is captured by said shaft, and

said first coupling means is located on said distal end of said shaft, and the proximal end of the flexible conduit and the proximal end of the pull wire are inserted into said axial bore of said shaft.

29. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 28, wherein:

said first coupling means includes extension means for extending said first coupling means proximal of said annular movable member, and

said extension means includes a finger flange at a proximal end thereof.

30. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 23, wherein:

said second coupling means is spring biased such that insertion of said second mating means into said second coupling means moves said second coupling means and couples said second mating means to said second coupling means,

the handle includes a shaft and an annular movable member through which said shaft extends, said shaft having a transverse slot, said annular movable member having a transverse member extending through said slot such that said annular movable member is captured by said shaft, and

said transverse member includes said second coupling means.

31. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 30, wherein:

said second coupling means comprises at least one moving member having a catching lip and a spring which biases said moving member transverse said second mating means, and

said second mating means includes a tapered mating tip having a groove behind said tapered mating tip, wherein

said catching lip mates in said groove.

32. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 31, wherein:

said moving member is a sliding member which slides transverse said second mating means,

said catching lip has a tapered surface which terminates in a shoulder, wherein said tapered mating tip when contacting said tapered surface overcomes the bias provided by said spring and moves said sliding member transversely, and when said tapered mating tip passes by said tapered surface, said shoulder mates with said groove.

33. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 31, wherein:

the sliding member has a tang extending parallel to said pull wire, said tang having a tapered surface, and

said annular movable member has a spring loaded collar in its annulus, said spring loaded collar having a proximal tapered surface aligned with said tapered surface of said tang such that axial movement of said proximal tapered surface of said collar overcomes the bias provided by said spring and moves said sliding member transversely,

said means for rapidly coupling and uncoupling further comprising

a second spring which spring loads said spring loaded collar distally, and

said shaft includes a release shoulder distal said annular movable member, said release shoulder aligned with the distal surface of said spring loaded collar to contact said spring loaded collar when said annular movable member is moved distally.

34. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 31, wherein:

the sliding member has a tang extending parallel to said pull wire, said tang having a tapered surface, and

said distal end of said shaft slot includes an engaging edge aligned with said tapered surface of said tang such that axial movement of said tapered surface of said tang into engagement with said engaging edge of said shaft slot overcomes the bias provided by said spring and moves said sliding member transversely.

35. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 31, wherein:

said moving member having a catching lip comprises a hinged arm which is hinged to said movable member distally of said spring, and

said catching lip has a tapered surface which terminates in a shoulder, wherein said tapered mating tip when contacting said tapered surface overcomes the bias provided by said spring and moves said catching lip transversely, and when said tapered mating tip passes by said tapered surface, said shoulder mates with said groove.

36. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 35, wherein:

said distal end of said shaft slot includes an engaging edge aligned with said arm such that axial movement of said arm into engagement with said engaging edge of said shaft slot overcomes the bias provided by said spring and moves said catching lip transversely.

37. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 23, wherein:

said first mating means is spring biased and comprises a sleeve which receives the flexible conduit, said sleeve having at least one resilient external arm terminating in a resilient barb, and

said first coupling means comprises a lip on the handle having an angled entry through which said resilient barb can be forced, and an annular space proximal said angled entry which receives said resilient barb.

38. In an endoscopic biopsy forceps according to claim 37, wherein:

said resilient external arm of said sleeve includes a finger grip indentation which when squeezed cause said resilient barb to disengage from said annular space.

39. An apparatus for insertion into a handle of an endoscopic instrument, the handle having an actuating means for actuating said apparatus, the actuating means having a first coupling means for coupling to a mating means and a second coupling means for coupling to a mating means wherein the second coupling means is spring biased, said apparatus comprising:

a) a flexible conduit having a proximal and a distal end, said proximal end of said conduit being provided with a first mating means for releasably mating with the first coupling means;

b) a pair of jaws mounted at the distal end of said flexible conduit;

c) at least one pull wire having a proximal and a distal end, the distal end of said pull wire being coupled to said pair of jaws, said pull wire extending through said conduit and said proximal end of said pull wire extending beyond said proximal end of said conduit, movement of said pull wire through said conduit effecting opening and closing of said jaws, said proximal end of said pull wire being provided with a second mating means for releasably mating with the second coupling means, wherein

said first mating means is spring biased, such that insertion of said proximal end of said flexible conduit and said proximal end of said pull wire into the handle automatically couples said first mating means to the first coupling means such that the handle and said apparatus together form an endoscopic instrument which is ready for use.

40. An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein:

said second mating means includes a tapered mating tip having a groove behind said tapered mating tip.

41. An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein:

said first mating means comprises a sleeve which receives said flexible conduit, said sleeve having at least one resilient external arm terminating in a resilient barb.

42. An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein:

said resilient external arm of said sleeve includes a finger grip indentation.

43. A method for assembling an endoscopic instrument having a handle with an actuating means having a first coupling means and a second coupling means, and a distal portion having a conduit having a proximal and a distal end, said proximal end of said conduit being provided with a first mating means for releasably mating with said first coupling means, an end effector mounted at the distal end of said conduit, at least one wire having a proximal and a distal end, the distal end of said wire being coupled to said end effector, said wire extending through said conduit and said proximal end of said wire extending beyond said proximal end of said conduit, movement of said wire through said conduit effecting movement of said end effector, said proximal end of said wire being provided with a second mating means for releasably mating with said second coupling means, said method comprising:

inserting in a longitudinal motion said first mating means into mating engagement with said first coupling means whereupon said distal portion is thereby coupled to said handle and said second mating means is automatically coupled to said second coupling means upon one of said inserting and movement of said actuating means.

44. A method according to claim 43, further comprising:

providing one of said first mating means and said first coupling means with a spring bias, and one of said second mating means and said second coupling means with a spring bias.

45. An apparatus for insertion into a handle of an endoscopic instrument, the handle having an actuating means for actuating said apparatus, the actuating means having a first coupling means for coupling to a mating means and a second coupling means for coupling to a mating means wherein the first and second coupling means are spring biased, said apparatus comprising:

a) a flexible conduit having a proximal and a distal end, said proximal end of said conduit being provided with a first mating means for releasably mating with the first coupling means;

b) a pair of jaws mounted at the distal end of said flexible conduit;

c) at least one pull wire having a proximal and a distal end, the distal end of said pull wire being coupled to said pair of jaws, said pull wire extending through said conduit and said proximal end of said pull wire extending beyond said proximal end of said conduit, movement of said pull wire through said conduit effecting opening and closing of said jaws, said proximal end of said pull wire being provided with a second mating means for releasably mating with the second coupling means, such that

insertion of said proximal end of said flexible conduit and said proximal end of said pull wire into the handle automatically couples said first mating means to the first coupling means such that the handle and said apparatus together form an endoscopic instrument which is ready for use.

46. An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein:

said first mating means comprises a sleeve having a circumferential groove, said sleeve having a tapered proximal end, and

said second mating means includes a tapered mating tip having a groove behind said tapered mating tip.

47. An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein:

said first mating means comprises a sleeve having a circumferential groove.

48. An apparatus according to claim 47, wherein:

said sleeve has a tapered proximal end.