Importance

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Abstract

A variable tip-pressure surgical grasper includes a shaft assembly, a jaw assembly, and a handle assembly. The jaw assembly is disposed adjacent to the distal end of the shaft assembly and has first and second movable jaws. Mandible portions of the jaws serve as the tissue manipulating portions and are arranged so that their distal tips engage without their proximal portions engaging. A slidable sleeve surrounds the shaft assembly and is movable between (i) a first retracted position wherein its distal end is spaced from the jaw assembly and (ii) a second extended position in which its distal end forces the jaw assembly closed. Instruments embodying the present invention may also include a ball joint coupling for coupling the jaw assembly to the shaft. The ball joint coupling allows the jaw assembly to be rotated about the axis of the shaft. The entire jaw assembly may also be of a modular construction so as to be fully detachable from the rest of the tool.

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First Claim