METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN LAPAROSCOPIC AND ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY

摘要

An instrument assembly for use in laparoscopic or endoscopic surgery comprises a laparoscope or endoscope and a surgical instrument. The laparascope or endoscope includes a tubular member for insertion into a patient's body, the tubular member being flexible at least in a region about a distal end thereof. The tubular member includes an elongate channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the channel having a characteristic diameter. A control element is provided on the laparoscope or endoscope for controlling a bending type motion of the tubular member in the flexible region at the distal end of the instrument. The surgical instrument has an elongate body portion with a diameter smaller than the characteristic diameter of the laparoscope or endoscope channel, whereby the surgical instrument is insertable into the channel. The elongate body portion of the surgical instrument is flexible at least in an area about a distal end of the instrument. An actuator is provided on the surgical instrument for controlling a bending type motion of the elongate body portion of the instrument in the flexible area at the distal tip of the instrument. The actuator is operable independently of the bending control element for the laparoscope or endoscope.