Importance

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Abstract

A laparoscope instrument is formed by a shaft combination, a pair of squeeze handles, a socket, a stationary barrel, a movable barrel, and a clutch. The socket is attached to the proximal handle. The shaft combination has an outer hollow shaft and an inner shaft. The inner shaft has a pair of cutting tips or grippers at the distal operating end. The other end of the inner shaft has an anchor point for engaging with the socket at the other end of the instrument. The socket holds the end of the inner shaft and causes the shaft to reciprocate slightly in response to the surgeon closing or opening the pair of handles. The cutting tips close or open in response to the squeezing action by the surgeon. The socket has a quick-release button to allow the inner shaft with the cutting tips to be quickly removed from the instrument, and replaced with another shaft and cutting tips. The instrument does not have to be disassembled. The clutch allows the surgeon to quickly change the angular orientation of the cutting tips during the operation. A thumb wheel forming part of the clutch can be easily turned to make the adjustment. The instrument can have a plug for connecting to an electric cord to allow the instrument to be used in cauterization techniques. The outer surfaces are covered with a vinyl insulation to prevent electrical shock.

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First Claim