HANDLE FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY

摘要

A handle (3) for a surgical instrument, and in particular a handle for use with keyhole surgery, endoscopic and laparoscopic instruments is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a handle for a surgical instrument comprising one part with a pivoting or articulated end portion (4b), and a means for indexing the pivoting movement of the end portion. The indexing means allows adjustment of the angle of the end portion together with improved control and tactile feedback to the user. In another aspect, the present invention provides a handle for a surgical instrument comprising one part with a pivoting or articulated end portion, and a means for locking the movement of the end portion. The locking means can be moved between locked and unlocked positions. The end portion can be pivoted or articulated to a desired angle and the locking means moved to a position to prevent movement of the end portion holding it at the desired angle. This improves control and tactile feedback to the user.