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Surgical instrument and method for use in hand-assisted laparoscopy

  • US 6,149,642 A
  • Filed: 01/16/1998
  • Issued: 11/21/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/16/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for use in hand-assisted laparoscopy in which one hand of a surgeon is inserted in an insufflated abdominal cavity, comprising:

  • a cannula having a distal end portion insertable through a puncture wound into the cavity, and a proximal end portion with a finger grip affixed thereto;

    a tube slidable lengthwise in said cannula having a thumb grip sealing one end of said tube adjacent to said proximal end portion, and a gripper formed in said tube near an opposite end thereof;

    a surgical tool having members insertable in said gripper when said members are squeezed together; and

    limit means connected between said cannula and said tube for limiting travel of the tool between a retracted position within said distal end portion and a partially extended position sufficient for the one hand to grasp and release said tool from said gripper for use by the surgeon within the cavity.

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