Abstract: A microsurgical instrument has a stationary jaw part that is connected via a tube with a stationary handle part, and also has a rotatable jaw part that is attached to a rotating rod supported in the tube. The rotating rod is caused to rotate by means of a helical inclined curve and a tappet in engagement therewith that is axially displaceable and secured against twisting. The tappet is displaced by means of a pivotable actuating handle part. In accordance with the invention, the inclined curve is embodied as a slit in a sleeve supported in the posterior end of the tube and is engaged by a radial pin of the tappet that is received coaxially in the sleeve. The stationary handle part and the actuating handle part are disposed substantially at right angles to the tube and embodied in scissor-like fashion. The posterior end of the tappet is attached to the free lever arm of the actuating handle part in a non-twisting and displaceable manner.

Abstract: In a surgical instrument for cutting tissue and having a jaw part that comprises a stationary, U-shaped curette and a cutting part which is secured on a rotating rod rotatably supported in a tube carrying the curette, the rotating rod is according to the invention supported rotatably at both sides of the cutting part on the legs of the curette. As a result, it is possible to exert strong cutting forces without impairing the geometry of the cutting edges as a consequence of deformation of the rotating rod.