Handle for surgical instruments

Abstract

A handle for surgical instruments that has a “wishbone” configuration. In one embodiment, the instrument is provided with a ratchet mechanism allows two operating handles to be locked in a predetermined position (for example, when the surgical instrument that is maneuvered is in use) or to move relative to each other when the ratchet is partially or fully released (for example, when the surgical instrument that is maneuvered is not in use). In another embodiment, the instrument is provided with a rotary gear mechanism.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an instrument having a handle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial view of the instrument of FIG. 1 with the ratchet in the “locked” position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial view of the instrument of FIG. 1 with the ratchet in the “partially-released” position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial view of the instrument of FIG. 1 with the ratchet in the “fully-released” position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an instrument having a handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention with a rotary gear mechanism;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional partial view of the instrument of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the instrument of FIG. 5.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a shaft;an articulating mechanism disposed on the shaft at a distal end of the instrument;a handle extending from the shaft, the handle having a wishbone configuration and being provided with a mechanism manipulatable by a user between at least two positions; anda rod extending along the shaft and linking the articulating mechanism at the distal end of the instrument to the manipulatable mechanism on the handle.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the handle extends longitudinally from the shaft.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a ratchet mechanism for locking the handle, the rachet mechanism being urged by a spring into one of the two positions.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the ratchet mechanism is actuated by an actuating mechanism disposed on the handle.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein the actuating mechanism is adapted to be manipulated by a single digit.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the ratchet mechanism includes a cam that engages the rod.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the ratchet mechanism comprises a first member in communication with a second member.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the instrument is an arthroscopic instrument.

9. An arthroscopic instrument, comprising: a shaft;an articulating mechanism disposed on the shaft;a multi-member, pliers-like grip provided in a wishbone configuration, the grip including:a stationary handle extending from the shaft; anda movable handle extending from the shaft and communicating with a rotary gear mechanism; anda rod extending along the shaft and linking the articulating mechanism to the rotary gear mechanism.

10. The arthroscopic instrument of claim 9, wherein the movable handle and the stationary handle are substantially symmetric across a longitudinal axis of the instrument.

11. The arthroscopic instrument of claim 9, wherein the stationary handle is unitary and extends generally in a longitudinal direction from the shaft.

12. The arthroscopic instrument of claim 9, wherein the movable handle and the stationary handle are adapted to be gripped without the need for finger or thumb rings.

13. The arthroscopic instrument of claim 9, wherein the movable handle and the stationary handle are adapted to be locked to each other by a locking mechanism provided on the stationary handle.