Ergonomic handle and articulating laparoscopic tool
The present invention relates to a laparoscopic apparatus. The apparatus comprises a handle having a body portion, a top surface, opposite bottom surface, a proximal and distal end. The top surface of the base is contoured to compliment the natural curve of the palm. The apparatus further includes a shaft projecting from the distal end of the handle. The shaft has a proximal and distal end. A control sphere is located on the handle. The control sphere can be moved by one or more of a user's fingers to indicate direction. An end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft. The end effector is connected to the control sphere such that movements made to the control sphere control cause movement (articulation) of the end effector.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/544,286 filed on Feb. 12, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable.
BACKGROUNDSurgeons have identified and studies have shown, laparoscopic techniques require greater concentration and place greater mental and physical stress on surgeons than open surgery. The tools that laparoscopic surgeons must use are difficult to use and because of suboptimal design, they may actually be doing harm to the highly trained physician. Additionally, poor laparoscopic tools increase physician fatigue, creating potential for errors that may harm the patient.
Specialized instruments are required for laparoscopic surgery due to the small ports. The design of these instruments is critical to the result of the surgery. Current laparoscopic instruments have been found to be very poorly designed ergonomically and it is likely that ergonomics were not considered at all. Some practicing laparoscopic surgeons frequently experience post operation pain or numbness. This is generally attributable to pressure points on the laparoscopic tool handle. Furthermore, four different handle designs used on laparoscopic tools (shank, pistol, axial, and ring handle) have been found to result in either painful pressure spots or caused extreme ulnar deviation.
Compared to general surgery, laparoscopic surgery is a new practice. Therefore, the tools available to perform the procedures are not yet perfected. Limited work has been done by others to improve both the tools and procedures used in laparoscopy; however, an optimized tool, based on task analysis of laparoscopic surgery and sound ergonomic principles has not been prototyped and tested fully to date.
Furthermore, non-ergonomic tool handles often cause pain and discomfort and also result in painful pressure spots. It would be beneficial to have a laparoscopic tool with an ergonomic handle, an intuitive hand/tool interface, such as a control sphere, and an articulating end effector. It would also be beneficial to have an ergonomic tool handle with an intuitive hand/tool interface for use with other types of tools.
SUMMARYIn one embodiment, the present invention relates to a laparoscopic apparatus. The apparatus comprises a handle having a body portion, a top surface, opposite bottom surface, a proximal and distal end and a shaft projecting from the distal end of the handle, the shaft having a proximal and distal end. The apparatus further comprises a control sphere located on the handle and an end effector located at the distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector is connected to the control sphere such that movements made to the control sphere control movement of the end effector.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an ergonomic handle apparatus for use with a tool. The handle apparatus comprises a base having a body portion, a top surface, opposite bottom surface, a proximal and a distal end, where the top surface of the base being contoured to compliment the natural curve of the palm. The handle apparatus further comprises a control sphere located on the base, wherein the control sphere can be moved by one or more of a user's fingers to indicate direction and at least one lever projecting from the bottom surface, wherein the lever may be actuated by a user.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a laparoscopic apparatus. The apparatus comprises a handle having a body portion, a top surface, opposite bottom surface, a proximal and distal end, where the top surface of the base is contoured to compliment the natural curve of the palm. The apparatus further includes a shaft projecting from the distal end of the handle, the shaft having a proximal and distal end and a control sphere located on the handle. The control sphere can be moved by one or more of a user's fingers to indicate direction. An end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft and the end effector is connected to the control sphere such that movements made to the control sphere control movement of the end effector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With reference to
In one embodiment, the shaft (14) is a 10 mm shaft. In this embodiment, the shaft is about 10 mm in diameter and about 40 cm long. The shaft houses the wire guides and actuation cables, described later. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the shaft, wire guides and actuation cables are scalable and may be any size, including, but not limited to, about 3 mm and about 5 mm in diameter and about 35-55 cm long.
With reference next to
In one embodiment, the handle circumference is about 5 cm and tapered in shape. A preferred range of handle circumference is from about 4 cm to 6.5 cm. The distal end of the handle is also curved such that the tool shaft (14) is angled at about 135 degrees to increase the accuracy of pointing with the tool. However, the distal end of the handle may be curved to at any variety of angles depending on the tool that the handle is used with. The handle is designed to fit hand sizes ranging from about the 5th percentile female to about the 95th percentile male. The tool handle is described in relation to a laparoscopic instrument, however, it will be appreciated that the ergonomic tool handle (12) may be used with any variety of tools including a homeland security device, such as a sensing device, or a laser pointer for presentations.
The handle (12) is designed for comfortable use with three different hand orientations. The first hand position is such that the thumb controls the sphere, and the fingers are wrapped around the handle and squeeze the grip (20). The second hand position uses the thumb to squeeze the grip (20), and the fingers are wrapped across the top of the handle (12) with the index finger controlling the sphere (26). The third is a reverse grip shown in
Referring next to
The squeeze grip (20) actuates the graspers (18) at the end of the tool (10). When the grip (20) is squeezed closed, the graspers (18) close (the closed position is shown in
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
In one embodiment, the control sphere is located in at or near the center of the lateral axis of the handle and about 3-4 cm from the collet mechanism (24). In one embodiment, the control sphere is located about 3.6 cm from the collet mechanism (24) and is substantially inline with the shaft (14). In this embodiment, the actuation force needed to move the control sphere such that it moves the end effector properly between about 2 and 5 lbs, preferably about 3 lbs.
With reference to
With reference to
In one embodiment, a portion of the spherical end effector (16) is removed leaving approximately ½-¾ of a sphere. However, it can be appreciated that different amounts of a spherical end effector may be removed. A small hole (40) extends through the end effector to allow the grasper cable to pass. In the embodiment having a spherical end effector (16) that is approximately about 10 mm in diameter, the small hole (40) is approximately about 2 mm in diameter. The spherical end effector (16) is split across the equator for attachment of control cables (42) described in more detail below. Four attachment mechanisms, such as screws, hold the end effector (16) together and secure the control cables (42) to the end effector (16).
With reference to
In one embodiment, the control sphere (26) is about three times larger than the end effector (16). For example, if the spherical end effector (16) is about 10 mm in diameter, the control sphere (26) is about 30 mm diameter. The difference in size enables the user to have more precise control over the end effector (16). Also, in one embodiment, the control sphere (26) is in-line with the actuating effector (16).
In one embodiment, the control cables (42) running through the shaft (14) are rotated a total of about 180° when passed through the wire guides (44). This rotation ensures that when the control sphere (26) is moved left, the end effector (16) will move left, and when the control sphere (26) is moved forward, the end effector (16) will move up.
The four control cables (42) have swaged balls attached to each end. In the embodiment with an end effector (16) having a diameter of about 10 mm, the swaged balls and each end of the four control cables (42) are approximately about 2 mm. Both the end effector and control sphere are split along their equators. The swaged ends of the control cables (42) seed into depressions (39) in each hemisphere of the end effector (16). Four attachment mechanisms, such as screws, hold the two hemispheres of the end effector (16) together and secure the control cables (42). The control cables (42) connect to the control sphere (26) also seed into depressions (37) in the control sphere (26). One attachment mechanism, such as a screw, holds the top half of the control sphere (26) in place and secures the control cables (42). A screw cover may be used to hide the screw and has a small tactile element for tactile feedback.
The tool shaft (14) is able to rotate 360°. Normally, rotation of the control ball would cause the control cables to become tangled; consequently, control of the end effector (16) would be lost. The tool (10) allows the shaft (14) and actuating end effector (16) (along with the cables (42)) to rotate about the tool handle (12) without becoming entangled.
With continued reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The handle (12) can comprise multiple components or may be one component. In one embodiment, the handle (12) comprises a right half of handle (88), left half of handle (90) and a handle grip (90). One of skill in the art will appreciate that the handle (12) may be made up of any number of components or may be a unitary handle.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent in the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims
1. A laparoscopic apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
- a handle having a body portion, a top surface, opposite bottom surface, a proximal and distal end;
- a shaft projecting from the distal end of the handle, the shaft having a proximal and distal end;
- a control sphere located on the handle; and
- an end effector located at the distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector is connected to the control sphere such that movements made to the control sphere control move the end effector.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end effector is spherical and further comprises two wings holding graspers.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the graspers are jawed end effectors, cutting forceps or are powered for cauterizing.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a collet mechanism located at the distal end of the handle, wherein the collet mechanism allows rotation of the shaft and end effector.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a tactile element at the top of the control sphere that aligns the control sphere with the shaft.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein if the tactile element on the control sphere is moved upward, the end effector is moved upward.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein if the tactile element on the control sphere is moved downward, the end effector is moved downward.
8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein if the tactile element on the control sphere is moved to the right, the end effector is moved to the right.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein if the tactile element on the control sphere is moved to the left, the end effector is moved to the left.
10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the control sphere is located about 3 to 4 centimeters from the collet mechanism and is in line with the shaft.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control sphere is about three times larger than the end effector.
12. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:
- an actuator rod for opening and closing the graspers.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:
- a pull cylinder connected to the actuator rod, wherein the pull cylinder moves the actuator rod back and forth.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein if the pull cylinder is moved toward the control sphere, the graspers are opened.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein if the pull cylinder is moved away from the control sphere, the graspers are opened.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- one or more control cables within the shaft connecting the control sphere and end effector.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more control cables control the pitch and yaw of the end effector.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the one or more control cables are fed through one or more wire guides to prevent the end effector and the control sphere from having shaft-independent rotation.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more control cables are rotated about 180 degrees between the control sphere and the end effector.
20. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a lever projecting from the bottom of the handle, wherein the lever can be actuated by the user.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the lever is a squeeze grip.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein when the squeeze grip is actuated by the user, the graspers close.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein when the squeeze group is opened, the graspers open.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising:
- a slip lock to prevent the raspers from opening when the squeeze grip is actuated by the user.
25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control sphere is located near the distal end of the top surface of the handle.
26. An ergonomic handle apparatus for use with a tool, the handle comprising:
- a base having a body portion, a top surface, opposite bottom surface, a proximal and a distal end,
- the top surface of the base being contoured to compliment the natural curve of the palm;
- a control sphere located on the base, wherein the control sphere can be moved by one or more of a user's fingers to indicate direction; and
- at least one lever projecting from the bottom surface, wherein the lever may be actuated by a user.
27. The handle apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one lever has a pivot point located toward the distal end of the handle.
28. The handle apparatus of claim 26, wherein the handle circumference is between about 4 cm and about 6.5 cm.
29. The handle apparatus of claim 28, wherein the handle length is between about 150 and 165 mm.
30. The handle apparatus of claim 29, wherein the handle with is between about 40 and 50 mm.
31. The handle apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:
- a tool shaft projecting from the distal end of the handle.
32. The handle apparatus of claim 31, wherein the distal end of the base is curved such that the tool shaft is angled at about 135 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the base.
33. The handle apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one projecting lever is a squeeze grip.
34. The handle apparatus of claim 33, wherein the squeeze grip is open about 4 to 18 degrees from the bottom surface of the base when it is not actuated by a user.
35. The handle apparatus of claim 33, wherein the squeeze grip is open 0 degrees from the bottom surface of the base when actuated by a user.
36. The handle apparatus of claim 26, wherein the base is shaped such that a user's thumb controls the control sphere.
37. The handle apparatus of claim 36, wherein a user's fingers wrap around the base of the handle and the at least one lever such that the fingers are able to actuate the lever.
38. The handle apparatus of claim 26, wherein the base is shaped such that a user's fingers wrap across the top surface of the base such that a user's index finger controls the control sphere.
39. The handle apparatus of claim 38, wherein the user's thumb is positioned to squeeze the at least one projecting lever.
40. The handle apparatus of claim 26, wherein the control sphere is located near the distal end of the top surface of the base.
41. A laparoscopic apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
- a handle having a body portion, a top surface, opposite bottom surface, a proximal and distal end;
- the top surface of the base being contoured to compliment the natural curve of the palm;
- a shaft projecting from the distal end of the handle, the shaft having a proximal and distal end;
- a control sphere located on the handle, wherein the control sphere can be moved by one or more of a user's fingers to indicate direction; and
- an end effector located at the distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector is connected to the control sphere such that movements made to the control sphere control cause movement of the end effector.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 11, 2005
Publication Date: Aug 25, 2005
Inventors: M. Hallbeck (Lincoln, NE), Dmitry Oleynikov (Omaha, NE), Kathryn Done' (Lincoln, NE), Tim Judkins (Lincoln, NE), Allison DiMartino (Alexandria, VA), Jonathan Morse (Lincoln, NE), Lawton Verner (Towson, MD)
Application Number: 11/056,021