Abstract: What is described here is an instrument for medical and particularly endoscopic applications, comprising a proximally disposed operating unit, a distally disposed multi-part functional element having individual parts which are jointly and additionally independently movable, such as a multi-part forceps jaw, and an elongate connecting part which is disposed between the operating unit and said forceps jaw. The invention is characterized by the provisions that said operating unit is so configured that it can be grasped around by one hand, and that said operating unit comprises at least two pivotable and/or tiltable elements which are a component of the surface of said operating unit and which, when moving, control each one part of said multi-part functional element.

Abstract: A handle is provided for a medical instrument having a tubular shaft. The handle comprises at least one movable grip element as well as a coupling portion through which the tubular shaft is connected or can be connected to the handle. The movable grip element is or can be connected to a force transmission element axially movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Motion of the at least one movable is translated into an axial motion of the force transmission element. The coupling portion is pivotal and lockable relative to a handle axis about a pivot axis running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. A control element formed as a dual-arm lever is provided whose one lever arm is connected to the movable grip element and whose other lever arm is connected to the force transmission element, such that motion of the movable grip element causes rotation of the control element, which is translated into an axial movement of the force transmission element.

Abstract: A handle is provided for a medical instrument comprising at least one movable grip element and a coupling portion through which a shaft is or can be connected with the handle. The movable grip element is or can be joined with a force transmission element axially movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft to translate motion of the at least one movable grip element into linear motion of the force transmission element. The coupling portion is pivotal relative to a handle axis about at least one pivot axis running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In addition, the movable grip element is or can be joined with the force transmission element through a lever arrangement comprising at least two double-arm levers. The first lever is pivotal about an axis fixed to the handle and the second lever is pivotal about an axis fixed to the coupling portion. The two levers are frictionally joined with one another and are pivotal with respect to one another about the first pivot axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractor for use in endoscopic surgery, comprising a shaft (1) having a hand piece (2) arranged on the proximal end thereof and whose distal end can be moved out of an initially extended and straight position, whereby the adjustable distal end consists of several link elements (4) that can be moved into a ring-shaped structure and said ring-shaped structure can be bent in relation to the shaft (1). In order to produce a retractor which can be used atraumatically and can be handled in a highly hygienic manner, it is also proposed in accordance with this invention that the distal end of the shaft (1) should be moved into the closed ring structure and the closed ring structure be bent in a continuous manner at an angle of up to 90 degrees. The invention also relates to a medical instrument for introducing a retractor into a human or animal body and to a method for the use of a retractor in endoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A handle for a medical instrument comprises a first connecting means for connecting a shaft of said instrument of said handle, said shaft defining a longitudinal axis of said instrument. The handle further comprises a second connecting means for connecting a force transmission element of said instrument to said handle, said second connecting means being movable relative to said first connecting means for moving said force transmission element relative to said shaft for moving at least one tool disposed at the distal end of said shaft. The handle further comprises a first grip element and a second grip element, said first grip element and said second grip element being movable relative to each other, at least one of said first grip element and said second grip element being operatively connected with said second connecting means.

Abstract: A handle is provided for a medical instrument having a tubular shaft. The handle comprises at least one movable grip element as well as a coupling portion through which the tubular shaft is connected or can be connected to the handle. The movable grip element is or can be connected to a force transmission element axially movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Motion of the at least one movable is translated into an axial motion of the force transmission element. The coupling portion is pivotal and lockable relative to a handle axis about a pivot axis running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. A control element formed as a dual-arm lever is provided whose one lever arm is connected to the movable grip element and whose other lever arm is connected to the force transmission element, such that motion of the movable grip element causes rotation of the control element, which is translated into an axial movement of the force transmission element.

Abstract: An instrument for use in endoscopic surgery in human or animal bodies, said instrument, in particular, being insertable into said body through a channel of an insertion instrument. The invented instrument is distinguished by the instrument comprising at least one operating element disposed at the distal end thereof and one oblong introduction and control component connecting in the operating element to the proximal region, and the operating element and the introduction and control component being joined in such a manner via a connecting mechanism that the operating element can be disconnected intracorporally from the introduction and control component and can be reconnected thereto.

Abstract: What is described here is an instrument having a shaft element carrying an engaging element disposed on the distal end thereof, which is operated via a proximally disposed actuator element which is integrated into a handle for being mobile in such a way that the angle enclosed by the axis of said handle and by the axis of said shaft element may be varied. The invention is characterized by the provision that the handle is connected to the shaft element via a universal joint.

Abstract: A medical handling device, in particular for endoscopic applications, has a distally arranged medical instrument, a proximally arranged handle which has a grip part that can be gripped with the hand, and further a shaft part arranged between instrument and handle. It is proposed that the grip part gripped by a human hand can pivot relative to the shaft part about both the volar flexion axis and the dorsal flexion axis of the wrist, with no change occurring thereby in the position of the shaft part.

Abstract: A sheath for use in endoscopic surgery. A tubular proximal section fits in a trocar, along with a folded tubular distal section. The trocar inserts the distal section into a body cavity where it opens to receive severed tissue. A closure closes the distal end of the distal section to retain severed tissue. An abrupt transition section may join the proximal and distal sections. The material of the sheath is tough enough to enable external force to be applied to the tissue through the sheath without rupturing it. An optimal third tubular section may remain outside the body so tissue can be worked on outside of the body and returned into it.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscopic cutting device for severing tissue, such as organs, parts of organs or the like, havinga cutting tool, which is attached at the distal end of said cutting device and which is provided with a cutting blade, andan actuating unit which is used to operate said cutting tool and which is attached at the proximal end of said device.The invented device is distinguished by the cutting blade being disposed approximately parallel to a longitudinal unit which can be varied in length.

Abstract: A medical device for forming an external extension of the pneumoperitoneum, thus allowing the surgeon more flexibility in a surgical procedure. The device includes an enclosure and an elastically deformable flange or ring at an open end of the enclosure. The flange/ring is deformed and inserted into a trocar puncture site, upon which it deploys against the inner surface of the abdominal wall. By maintaining a gentle lifting force on the external portion of the device (this being essentially a balloon shape) the neck of the device forms a seal between the opening in the abdominal wall and the `balloon`, allowing the insufflation gas to inflate the external `balloon` or `bubble` portion of the device. Once inflated, the internal pressure maintains the device in a stable shape. The device includes one or more valved openings which allow access to the interior of the balloon, and hence the abdominal cavity.