Importance

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Abstract

A hand-held instrument for performing a cholangiogram during a laparoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. The instrument includes a pistol-shaped housing having a cannula mounted at a forward end. Centrally located within the cannula and extending into the housing is a hollow catheter. Mounted within the housing are an advancing mechanism, a locking mechanism, and an injection system. The advancing mechanism incrementally extends the catheter from one end of the cannula and the locking mechanism holds the catheter at the extended position. The injection system expels contrast media from a reservoir within the handle of the housing into the catheter for injection into a cystic duct. Each of the systems within the housing can be independently operated by the hand holding the instrument. The end of the cannula distal from the housing includes a threaded bulge which is rotated by a wheel extending through the housing. Rotation of the wheel screws the threaded bulge into an incision on the cystic duct to facilitate the insertion of the cannula into the duct and to form a watertight seal which prevents leakage at the incision during injection of the contrast media.

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First Claim