SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR USE IN HAND-ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPY

摘要

A surgical instrument (10) and the method for delivering and withdrawing surgical tools (22) through a cannula (16) in an abdominal cavity (C) during hand-assisted minimally invasive surgery. A tube (20) slidably extends through a cannula (16) with a slender surgical tool (22) such as a suture needle holder, secured in a snap-in gripper (20c) at the insertion end of the tube (20). The thumb and fingers of one hand of the surgeon or an assistant's cause the tube (20) to move axially from a fully retracted position in the cannula (16) to a position where the tool (22) projects from a snap-in socket in the tube (20) a length sufficient for a surgeon's hand (H) to grip a knurled surface around the tool (22). A detent bead (28) around the periphery of the tool (22) snaps into a complementary groove within the gripper (20c). Insufflating gas may be introduced or vented as needed through a port (32) which communicates through the interior of the tube (20) with the abdominal cavity (C). The procedure is reversed for withdrawing the tool (22).