DE202015003135U1 - Protective cover for a surgical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

A protective cover (220) for surgical instruments (110), especially for staplers, comprising: an outer sheath (222) configured to at least partially cover a head portion (112) of the surgical instrument (110); an actuating device (226), which is at least unidirectionally force-transmittingly connected to the outer sheath (222) and formed from at least one tension element (226a, 226b), the outer sheath (222) comprising at least one first segment (222a) and at least one second segment (222b) is formed, wherein the at least one first segment (222a) and the at least one second segment (222b) by means of the actuating device (226) can be transferred from a Abdeckposition to a release position, characterized in that the outer sheath (222) comprises a film of material (225) interconnecting the two segments (222a, 222b) of the outer sheath (222) in the covering position.

Description

The present invention relates to a protective cover for a surgical instrument, in particular a stapler, and an operating unit consisting of such a protective cover and such a surgical instrument, in particular a stapler.

A protective cover for surgical instruments and in particular for staplers and staplers is with the European patent specification EP 2 049 037 B1 known. But this protective cover has disadvantages and has not been able to prevail in the market.

The operation of this protective cover 120 is determined by the 1 and 2 described in the present application, the 2 and 4 correspond to the above-mentioned patent. The olive-shaped protective cover 120 has an outer sheath 122 on, which can be made of metal or plastic. This outer cladding 122 is at its top with a perforation 124 Mistake. The protective cover 120 is z. B. placed on a stapler and closed perforation 124 advanced into the patient's body to the appropriate surgical site. Once the surgical instrument 110 is positioned, the perforation 124 via a train arrangement 126 torn, resulting in the front part of the outer sheath 122 forms an opening or enlarged. By means of the train arrangement 126 then can the outer sheath 122 in one piece over the head area 112 of the surgical instrument 110 be pulled back to the head area 112 of the surgical instrument 110 for the surgical procedure.

A disadvantage of this arrangement is the production of the perforation 124 Are the tearing forces of the perforation 124 too small, could the perforation 124 already when inserting the protective cover 120 tear, which can lead to injury to the tissue of the patient. Are the perforations 124 on the other hand, they are too strong, they can not be torn up. They must therefore be made very precisely by plastic injection molding or by a subsequent process of drilling or cutting. The latter process, while precise, makes such a protective cover 120 but expensive.

Furthermore, the olive-shaped configuration of the protective cover 120 of the EP 2 049 037 B1 in most applications disadvantageous because the same cover diameter a correspondingly larger body must be provided in order to achieve a sufficient degree of coverage. This is especially true because the geometric dimensions of surgical instruments 110 , especially in intraluminal operations, are a particularly critical parameter. A surgical instrument 110 , which may be generally suitable to be used in a specific operation, is due to the unnecessarily large dimensions of the protective cover 120 in combination unsuitable.

Another protective cover 120 for a surgical instrument 110 , in particular for a stapler, is with the EP 1 294 291 B1 known. This protective cover 120 is in relation to the 3 and 4 of the present application. 3 of the present application corresponds to 8th of the EP 1 294 291 B1 and shows the head area of the surgical instrument 110 that by a protective cover 120 is covered. The protective cover 120 consists of two elements 122a and 122b the outer cladding 122 caused by a variety of breaking points 128 connected to each other. One with 126 designated train arrangement, the z. B. consists of a string, each with one of the elements 122a . 122b connected.

Here, the surgeon positions the operating unit 100 ie the surgical instrument 110 with the protective cover 120 at the point to be operated and then actuates the train arrangement 126 , As in 4 of the present application ( 9 of the EP 1 294 291 B1 ), tear thereby the predetermined breaking points 128 and the protective cover 120 divides into at least two halves (elements 122a . 122b ) to (claim 1 of EP 1 294 291 B1 ), which are then separated from each other separately from the body on an undefined path.

Thus, there is this protective cover 120 the problem that the surgeon with one hand, a holding force and with the other hand has to apply a tensile force to the predetermined breaking points 128 to break. This can be straightforward for some operations, but at least it is problematic for other operations, providing a universal applicability of the protective cover 120 after EP 1 294 291 B1 excludes.

The present invention has for its object to provide a comparison with the cited prior art improved protective cover available. Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide an operating unit consisting of such a protective cover and a surgical instrument, in particular a stapler.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. An operation unit according to the invention is the subject of claim 19. Preferred developments of the protective cover and the operating unit are the subject of the respective subclaims.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a protective cover for surgical instruments, in particular for staplers, comprises: an outer sheath adapted to at least partially cover a head portion of the surgical instrument; an actuating device, which is at least unidirectionally force-transmittingly connected to the outer sheath, and is formed from at least one tension element, wherein the outer sheath is formed from at least a first segment and at least a second segment, wherein the at least one first segment and the at least one second segment be transferred from a cover position to a release position by means of the actuating device, wherein the outer cover comprises a film of material, which in the covering position, the two segments of the outer cover together.

For the purposes of the present invention, a "surgical instrument" is understood in particular to mean instruments used intraluminally, as used, for example, in minimally invasive surgery. In particular, they have a head region and a grip region, which are connected to each other in particular by an arbitrarily shaped, in particular ergonomically shaped, tubular or rod-shaped body. Examples of surgical instruments for the purposes of the present invention are cameras, probes, spreaders, clamps, cutters, in particular knives, in particular scalpels, and staplers.

Stapling devices in the sense of the present invention are widely known in the prior art, for example in subsequent documents whose content is fully incorporated by the referencing in the disclosure of the present application: US2008169332A . US2010187283A . US2011036887A . US2013035683A . WO12177409A1 . US2014058388A . US2005067459A . US2005067457A . US2005067458A . US2014350566A . US2005006429A . WO14033032A1 . US2012323234A . US2005006431A . US2006049230A . DE102012103501A1 . US2005184123A . US2009105735A . US2009204108A . US2004007608A . US2012325888A . US2005006430A . US2011152861A . US2005070958A . DE202011000617U1 . DE202010000687U1 . DE202010000688U1 . WO11042508A1 . DE202009018081U1 . US2006011698A . US5865730A . US2005279804A . US2005184124A . US2002010482A . US2002188320A . US5814057A . DE10258925A1 . US5040715A . DE10253771B3 . DE10055923C2 . US5129570A . DE19951940A1 . US4955959A . DE29911266U1 . US4978049A . US4805823A . US4633861A . US5221036A . US5452836A . DE4223162A1 . DE4243411A1 . DE9408749U1 . US4714187A . US4605001A . US5015249A . US4776506A . DE9211975U1 . DE9107166U1 . US4608981A . US4930674A . DE3301713A1 . DE3213304A1 . DE8210178U1 ,

A "head area" in the sense of the present invention is understood in particular as the area of a surgical instrument which contains or forms the actual tool, such as the knife, the spreader, the clamp, the camera, the stapler, etc.

In the context of the present invention, a "protective cover" is understood in particular to mean a device which is in a covering position at least in the surgical phase of insertion or introduction to the surgical site and at least partially surrounds the head region of the surgical instrument, thus to protect the surrounding tissue from damage by edges of surgical instruments. The protective cover is then transferred to the operative site by actuation by the surgeon in a release position in which the head portion of the surgical instrument is exposed and this can be used according to its original destination accordingly. In the release position, the protective cover may either be detached from the surgical instrument and be removed separately therefrom or continue to be connected to it during the operation, to be removed together - in the release position - or the protective cover may be designed to be in front of the Removal can be reversibly moved back to the capping position so as to preserve the surrounding tissue even during removal of the surgical instrument from possible irritation or injury from the surgical instrument. The protective cover according to the present invention comprises an outer sheath and an actuating device.

In the context of the present invention, an "outer sheath" is understood in particular as the element of the protective cover which surrounds at least directly, in particular the head region of the surgical instrument. The outer sheath is adapted, in the covering position, to surround the head region of the surgical instrument and to expose it in the release position. The outer sheath according to the present invention is formed from at least a first segment and at least a second segment.

A "segment" in the sense of the present invention is understood to mean an element of the outer casing, which in particular remains connected to the at least one other segment both in the covering position and in the release position. According to one embodiment, the two segments are integrally formed. The at least one first segment and the at least one second segment are connected to one another by at least one joint.

A "feed direction" in the sense of the present invention is understood to be the direction in which the surgical instrument is advanced or pushed into the body.

An "actuating device" in the sense of the present invention is understood to mean a system which is connected at one end to the outer covering of the protective cover. The actuator includes a force transmitting member configured to transmit, at least unidirectionally, directly or indirectly, a force applied by the surgeon to the outer sheath at the instigation of the surgeon to cause the outer sheath to move from the covering position to the outer sheath to move the release position. In particular, the force transmission element is a tension element.

A "tension element" in the sense of the present invention is understood to mean an element which is set up to transmit at least one tensile stress towards the outer sheath. The tension element can in this case be formed in one or more parts. In particular, at least a part of the tension element is formed integrally with at least one of the segments of the outer sheath. In this case, the tension element can have a rod, in particular a plastic rod, or a string or a wire, in particular a metal wire, which is guided along the tubular or rod-shaped body of the surgical instrument and out of the surgical opening.

A "material film" in the sense of the present invention is understood to mean a material section with a very small dimension in terms of thickness, in particular thinner than 500 μm, in particular thinner than 100 μm, in particular thinner than 50 μm. The term "material film" in this case comprises both separately applied to a carrier element layers of the same or a different material than the material of the carrier element, as here: on the elements of the outer sheath, as well as material thinning of the support element itself, as here: between the two elements of the outer sheath ,

The protective cover for surgical instruments according to the above aspect of the present invention is particularly advantageous because through the use of a material film instead of the EP 1 294 291 B1 Prior art predetermined breaking points, especially in the form of plug or bridge bridges, in the transfer of the protective cover from the cover position in the release position none, in particular no sharp, edges on the contact surfaces of the elements of the protective cover arise, which when removing the protective cover from the Body (regardless of whether the surgical instrument is removed at the same time or not) irritate the surrounding tissue, in particular injure, in particular destroy, can.

According to one embodiment, the material film is formed as a protective film and / or as a material thinning.

This is particularly advantageous because thus the film of material can be adapted to the specific circumstances of the pending operation task. Material thinning is particularly advantageous since additional working steps during production of the protective cover can thus be avoided, which contributes to economically viable manufacture of the protective cover. A protective film is particularly advantageous, since in this way a different material can be used than the material of the elements of the outer sheath, whereby further properties, such as improved sliding properties, sealing properties or optical properties, such as color, can be realized.

According to one embodiment, the material thinning is formed integrally with the at least one first segment of the outer sheath and the at least one second segment of the outer sheath.

According to one embodiment, the material thinning is designed in such a way that the material thinning with the surrounding elements of the outer casing forms a flat surface in the feed direction viewed from the front.

This is particularly advantageous, since thus the sliding properties of the protective cover are further improved.

According to one embodiment, the material thinning and / or the protective film does not extend over the entire contact area of the surrounding elements of the outer sheath.

According to one embodiment, the at least one first segment and the at least one second segment are connected to one another by at least one joint.

A "joint" in the sense of the present invention is understood to mean an element of the outer casing which connects the at least one first segment and the at least one second segment of the outer casing to one another. The hinge may be formed as a separate component or integrally with the at least one first segment and the at least one second segment. In the latter case, the joint is realized in particular in the form of a connection between the at least two segments, which is set up during the entire surgical procedure, i. H. in particular starting from the insertion of the surgical device into the body until removal of the surgical device from the body, not to break, but merely allowing a relative movement of the at least two segments of the outer sheath to each other, in particular a relative movement about only one axis which is substantially perpendicular to the feed direction of the surgical instrument is.

This is particularly advantageous since it is thus made possible to allow a defined movement of the outer sheath, in particular of the at least two segments. The handling of the operating unit according to the invention, consisting of at least the surgical instrument and the protective cover, is thereby improved over the solutions known from the prior art.

According to one embodiment, the material film is formed from a plastic film or a paper film or a metal film or a layer composite of the aforementioned types of film.

This is particularly advantageous, since the protective cover can thus be optimally adapted to the specific requirements of the pending operation task, since the abovementioned alternatives or combinations thereof can be selected independently of the material of the protective cover, in particular of the elements of the outer covering To provide pending operation task required properties in an optimal manner.

According to one embodiment, the protective film is attached to the outer sheath, in particular glued.

This is particularly advantageous, since thus the protective film on the outer sheath can be held in its position in a simple and cost-effective manner. Suitable adhesives are all those adhesives which can provide the required bond strength, and in particular which have an approval for use for medical products.

According to one embodiment, the protective film is applied to the outer sheath, in particular sprayed or applied by means of vapor deposition.

This is particularly advantageous since, thus, the thickness of the protective film can be made particularly thin, which greatly improves the tear properties during transfer from the cover position to the release position, i. H. In particular, the required applied force to cause cracking reduced. Furthermore, the vapor deposition is advantageous because it can be dispensed with adhesives and the film follows the geometry of the outer sheath in an optimal manner.

According to one embodiment, the protective film in the feed direction seen from the front in the head portion of the surgical instrument at least partially covered by the outer sheath is continuous, d. H. without perforations, in particular without perforations.

This is particularly advantageous, since it is thus possible, the sometimes complex and sensitive to contamination head portion of the surgical instrument in the at least partially covered by the outer cover head portion of the surgical instrument against the ingress of dirt, for. As intestinal contents or the like to protect.

According to one embodiment, the protective film has no perforations.

This is particularly advantageous because the protection of the sometimes complex and sensitive to contamination head portion of the surgical instrument in the at least partially covered by the outer cover head portion of the surgical instrument against the ingress of dirt, for. As intestinal contents or the like, is protected, in particular even better protected.

According to one embodiment, the protective cover has two joints, which, viewed in the feed direction, are arranged in a rear region of the outer casing, and in particular on two oppositely disposed positions in the radial direction.

This is particularly advantageous, since thus the geometry of the joints can be greatly simplified. Due to the positioning of the joints, it is not necessary, if desired, for a joint alone to realize a pivot axis of the at least two segments of the outer envelope relative to each other. By scholar special arrangement and punctiform joints or ball joints can be used, since the individually unrestricted degrees of freedom in the composite reduce to a desired pivot axis. This simplifies the design and manufacture of the protective cover and thus contributes to an economically viable manufacturability.

According to one embodiment, the protective film completely covers the abutment region of the at least one first section and the at least one second section in the feed direction viewed from the front, in particular it seals it in a watertight manner, in particular it seals it airtight.

This is particularly advantageous because it is thus possible, the sometimes complex and sensitive to contamination head portion of the surgical instrument from the ingress of dirt, for. As intestinal contents or the like, liquid or optionally gases to protect. It should be noted that this means only a seal in the feed direction seen from the front. A complete seal of the head portion of the surgical instrument against ingress of dirt, liquid or gas also seen from the rear in the feed direction is possible, but not required by the above wording.

According to one embodiment, the actuating device is formed from at least one first tension element and at least one second tension element.

This is particularly advantageous since the introduction of force via the actuating device into the outer casing, in particular into the at least two segments, is more homogeneous than with a unilateral introduction of force, so that lateral movement of the head region of the surgical instrument within the human or animal body is avoided due to the unilateral application of force becomes. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least two tension elements are distributed uniformly over the ellipsoidal, in particular circular, cross section, which the outer casing has, in particular at the rear region viewed in the feed direction.

After an embodiment of the protective cover with the protective film and without material thinning in the contact area, the at least one first segment and the at least one second segment rest against one another in a contact region, in particular loosely.

This is particularly advantageous because thus jerky movements of the surgical instrument during the transfer of the outer sheath from the covering position to the release position by the elimination of tearing or separation of a positive connection, in particular a connector, at least reduced, in particular further reduced, become. Due to the omission of the predetermined breaking points, as for example in the EP 1 294 291 B1 are shown, the risk of injury when removing the protective cover is also reduced, since the at least two segments continue to have smooth edges in their investment area even after the transfer to the release position, which are not interrupted by partially sharp-edged fragments of former breaking points.

According to one embodiment, the at least one first segment and the at least one second segment, as seen in the feed direction, each have an opening boundary behind the at least one joint, which limits the removal of the front regions of the segments, viewed in the feed direction, in the release position.

This is particularly advantageous because thus jamming of the protective cover can be avoided with the surgical instrument. Due to the limitation of the opening angle, the relative movement of the at least two segments during their transfer from the covering position into the release position is not stopped first by a part, in particular the above-mentioned tubular or rod-shaped body. Thus, there is also in the release position, a distance between the surgical instrument and the elements, which makes it possible - if desired - to pull the protective cover from the body without a significant frictional force between the protective cover and surgical instrument must be overcome.

In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover has exactly two segments, which are arranged over exactly two joints which are arranged at two positions which are opposite each other in the radial direction. This is advantageous because even in the release position by the two segments and the two joints, a continuous ring is formed around the surgical instrument around, which allows a guided pulling out of the protective cover - if desired.

According to one embodiment, the protective cover consists essentially, in particular completely, of plastic.

This is particularly advantageous since plastic parts can be produced relatively inexpensively by means of injection molding. This is also due to the ability of this technology to directly provide an at least substantially post-fabrication-free end geometry. Furthermore, selected plastics, in particular thermoplastics, in particular plastics, which have at least traces of propylene, in particular plastics, which consist essentially of polypropylene, in particular polypropylene, in particular the property of being sterilizable and in particular have the necessary approvals for use in the medical field Range up.

According to one embodiment, the outer sheath is arranged to cover the surgical instrument in its head area substantially completely, in particular completely.

This is particularly advantageous, since the head area of a surgical instrument is very complex in its geometry due to its sometimes diverse functions. For this reason ergonomics can not always be taken into account to the desired extent in the development of medical instruments, since the functional aspects are (must) in the foreground. This is where the outer sheath sets in, providing the lack of ergonomics at least during the introduction of the surgical instrument to the surgical site. The better, d. H. the more completely, the head portion of the surgical instrument is surrounded by the outer sheath, the gentler the surgical instrument can be brought to the surgical site.

According to one embodiment, the tension elements have a holding element which is set up to fix the tension elements to the surgical instrument, in particular to fix them displaceably in the axial direction.

This is particularly advantageous because the traction elements are guided in this way during the connection with the surgical instrument, in particular during the transfer of the outer sheath of the covering position in the release position. Also, during insertion and removal, the tension members are preferably closely adjacent to the surgical element, thereby preventing entanglement or entanglement with each other or with surrounding tissue.

According to one embodiment, the retaining element connects the tension elements in a direction transverse to the feed direction of the surgical instrument with each other.

This is particularly advantageous because the one holding element for the plurality of pulling elements, in particular for both pulling elements, jointly provides a fixing effect of the type described above.

According to one embodiment, the retaining element is configured to connect the tension elements to one another in such a way that forces can be transmitted between the plurality of tension elements via the retaining element.

This is particularly advantageous, since thus a uniform force on the tension elements on the segments of the outer sheath is favored, resulting in a simplification of the handling of the protective cover.

According to one embodiment, the protective cover, in its geometric configuration of a front region viewed in the direction of advance, has a spherical segment, which in particular is substantially hemispherical in shape, in particular hemispherical in shape.

This is particularly advantageous because these geometry shapes combine good intraluminal sliding properties with good space utilization. Thus, on the one hand, the risk of irritation and injury to the surrounding tissue, in particular during the advancing movement, is reduced and, on the other hand, the geometrical dimensions of the operating unit are not increased unnecessarily.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an operating unit comprises: a surgical instrument, in particular a stapler; and a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is disposed on the surgical instrument, and the protective cover is configured to at least partially cover at least a head portion of the surgical instrument, this protective cover contributing to the risk of injury to human or animal tissue during an advancing movement of the surgical instrument in the human or animal body.

An "operating unit" in the sense of this invention is to be understood as a combination of surgical instrument and protective cover. For the advantages and definitions of the individual features of the operating unit according to the invention reference is made to the above statements, which apply here to the same extent.

According to one embodiment, at least two separately sterilized packaging units, namely at least one surgical instrument, in particular a stapler, and at least one protective cover are provided.

This is particularly advantageous because different embodiments of surgical instruments having different embodiments of protective covers can be combined with each other depending on the specific surgical objective. An integral solution, such as the EP 2 049 037 B1 teaches, that the field of application of the sometimes very expensive surgical instrument is severely limited, so that a large number of such different integrated surgical units with the corresponding financial expense must be kept in order to cover a comparable range of operations.

According to one embodiment, the protective cover is a protective cover according to the above.

For the advantages of these embodiments of a protective cover, reference is made to the corresponding above statements.

• (a) Speiseröhre zu Magen und Magen zu Speiseröhre;
• (b) Enddarm zu Dickdarm und Dickdarm zu Enddarm;
• (c) Dickdarm zu Dickdarm;
• (d) Dickdarm zu Dünndarm und Dünndarm zu Dickdarm;
• (e) Dünndarm zu Dünndarm;
• (f) Magen zu Dünndarm und Dünndarm zu Magen;
• (g) Proktologische Eingriffe, insbesondere zur Schleimhautabtragung; und
• (f) Vollwandresektionen.

According to one embodiment, the operating unit is intended for use in at least one of the following indications, in particular stapled connections:

• (a) esophagus to stomach and stomach to esophagus;
• (b) rectum to colon and colon to rectum;
• (c) colon to colon;
• (d) large bowel to small bowel and small bowel to colon;
• (e) small intestine to small intestine;
• (f) stomach to small intestine and small intestine to stomach;
• (g) proctological procedures, especially for mucosal erosion; and
• (f) full wall resections.

This is particularly advantageous, since the operating unit according to this embodiment can be used for many different types of operations, so that the surgeon does not have to constantly get used to the handling of new surgical instruments and the hospitals can reduce the number of available forms of various non-inventive operating units ,

Further advantageous developments of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments. This shows, partially schematized:

1 an operation unit according to the prior art EP 2 049 037 B1 with an outer covering in a covering position;

2 the operation unit of 1 with the outer sheath in a release position;

3 an operation unit according to the prior art EP 1 294 291 B1 with an outer covering in a covering position;

4 the operation unit of 3 with the outer sheath in a release position;

5 a protective cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a side view (right view) and in a front view from the feed direction (left view), respectively in the cover position;

6 the protective cover of the 5 in the release position;

7 a detailed view of the investment area of 5 ; and

8th a protective cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a side view.

5 . 6 and 7 show a protective cover 220 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in the cover position (FIG. 5 ) and in the release position ( 6 ). The protective cover 220 has an outer sheath 222 and an actuator 226 on.

The outer cladding 222 consists of a first element 222a and a second element 222b , The two elements 222a . 222b are over two joints 221 , which are arranged opposite each other in the radial direction, hinged together. The joints 221 are designed as non-refractive material connections in the present embodiment.

Furthermore, the two elements 222a . 222b over a material film 225 in the cover position ( 5 ) in the form of a material thinning 225a connected with each other. The material thinning extends over the entire investment area 224 which is between the two joints 221 extends, so that in the cover position a closed in the feed direction from the front surface is realized, as can be seen from the front view in 5 ( 5 , left). The material thinning 225a is continuous and in particular not perforated.

The first element 222a the outer cladding 222 is with a first tension element 226a the actuator 226 connected and the second element 222b the outer cladding 222 is with a second tension element 226b the actuator 226 connected.

The tension elements 226a . 226b are designed as bidirectional force-transmitting plastic rods, which in their geometry to the geometry of the surgical instrument 110 orient, thus providing a most ergonomic cross section of the operating unit 100 to achieve.

The two tension elements 226a . 226b have a common holding element (not shown), which the two tension elements 226a . 226b transverse to the feed direction and at the same time the two tension elements 226a . 226b slidably displaceable on the surgical instrument in an essentially feed direction 110 attached.

6 shows the protective cover of the 5 in the release position. During the transfer of the protective cover 220 from the cover position to the release position, the outer sheath breaks at the material thinning 225a on a train on the tension elements 226a . 226b towards and the two elements 222a . 222b the outer cladding 222 move around the through the joints 221 realized pivot axis away from each other and thus give the head area 112 of the surgical instrument 110 free.

The entire protective cover 220 is preferably in one piece, in particular as a one-piece plastic component manufactured. This applies both to the first embodiment just presented and to the following embodiment.

7 shows the investment area 224 between the two elements 222a . 222b the outer cladding 222 , The material thinning is designed such that the protective cover 220 from the feed direction V viewed from the front has a continuous, smooth surface.

8th shows a protective cover 220 according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a detailed view. This second embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment described above, so that all features not described below as being different may be considered identical. The embodiment of the 8th differs from the embodiment of the 5 . 6 and 7 to the effect that the two elements 222a . 222b the outer cladding 222 not connected by a material thinning, but by a separately applied protective film 225b , The two elements 222a . 222b lie in the investment area 224 loose on each other and are from the protective film 225b covered.

The protective film 225b In this version also consists of plastic as the protective cover 220 but not necessarily the same plastic. The protective film further improves the sliding properties of the protective cover within the body and can be independent of the choice of the material of the protective cover 220 be optimized.

During the transfer of the protective cover 220 from the cover position to the release position, the protective film breaks 225b on and the two elements 222a , 222b move around the joints as described above 221 around each other, around the head area 112 of the surgical instrument 110 to release or expose.

Although exemplary embodiments have been explained in the foregoing description, it should be understood that a variety of modifications are possible. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples that are not intended to limit the scope, applications and construction in any way. Rather, the expert is given by the preceding description, a guide for the implementation of at least one exemplary embodiment, with various changes, in particular with regard to the function and arrangement of the components described, can be made without departing from the scope, as it turns out according to the claims and these equivalent combinations of features. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 100 operation unit 110 surgical instrument 112 Head section of the surgical instrument 110 114 pen 116 Tip of the pen 114 120 protective cover 122 outer wrapper 122a first element of the outer sheath 122 122b second element of the outer sheath 122 124 perforation 126 Drawing assembly 128 Breaking point 220 protective cover 221 joint 222 outer wrapper 222a first segment of the outer cladding 222 222b second segment of the outer sheath 222 224 plant area 225 Footage 225a material thinning 225b protective film 226 actuator 226a first pulling element of the actuating device 226 226b second pulling element of the actuating device 226 V feed direction Z tensile direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

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• DE 29911266 U1 [0013]
• US 4978049 A [0013]
• US 4805823A [0013]
• US 4633861 A [0013]
• US 5221036 A [0013]
• US 5452836 A [0013]
• DE 4223162 Al [0013]
• DE 4243411 A1 [0013]
• DE 9408749 U1 [0013]
• US 4714187 A [0013]
• US 4605001 A [0013]
• US Pat. No. 5,015,249 A [0013]
• US 4776506 A [0013]
• DE 9211975 U1 [0013]
• DE 9107166 U1 [0013]
• US 4608981 A [0013]
• US 4930674A [0013]
• DE 3301713 A1 [0013]
• DE 3213304 A1 [0013]
• DE 8210178 U1 [0013]

Claims (22)

Protective cover ( 220 ) for surgical instruments ( 110 ), in particular for staplers, comprising: an outer covering ( 222 ), which is set up, at least partially a header area ( 112 ) of the surgical instrument ( 110 ) cover; an actuating device ( 226 ), which with the outer sheath ( 222 ) is at least unidirectionally force-transmitting connected, and from at least one tension element ( 226a . 226b ) is formed, wherein the outer sheath ( 222 ) from at least a first segment ( 222a ) and at least one second segment ( 222b ), wherein the at least one first segment ( 222a ) and the at least one second segment ( 222b ) by means of the actuating device ( 226 ) can be transferred from a cover position into a release position, characterized in that the outer cover ( 222 ) a material film ( 225 ), which in the covering position the two segments ( 222a . 222b ) of the outer sheath ( 222 ) connects to each other. A protective cover according to claim 1, wherein the material film ( 225 ) as material thinning ( 225a ) and / or as a protective film ( 225b ) is trained. A protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first segment ( 222a ) and the at least one second segment ( 222b ) by at least one joint ( 221 ) are interconnected. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material film ( 225 ) is formed from a plastic film or a paper film or a metal film or a layer composite of the aforementioned types of films. A protective cover according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the protective film ( 225b ) on the outer sheath ( 222 ) is attached, in particular glued. A protective cover according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the protective film ( 225b ) on the outer sheath ( 222 ) is applied, in particular sprayed or applied by vapor deposition. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective film ( 225b ) in the feed direction seen from the front in the of the outer sheath ( 222 ) at least partially covered head area ( 112 ) of the surgical instrument ( 110 ) is consistent. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective film ( 225b ) has no perforations. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover ( 220 ) two joints ( 221 ), which seen in the feed direction in a rear region of the outer casing ( 222 ), and in particular at two mutually opposite in the radial direction opposite positions, are arranged. A protective cover according to claim 9, wherein the protective film ( 225 ) the investment area ( 224 ) of the at least one first section ( 222a ) and the at least one second section ( 222b ) completely covered in the feed direction seen from the front, in particular waterproof seals, in particular airtight seals. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device ( 226 ) of at least one first tension element ( 226a ) and at least one second tension element ( 226b ) is formed. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material film ( 225 ) a protective film ( 225b ) and the at least one first segment ( 222a ) and the at least one second segment ( 222b ) in an investment area ( 224 ) abut each other, in particular loosely. A protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first segment ( 222a ) and the at least one second segment ( 222b ) seen in the feed direction behind the at least one joint ( 221 ) each have an opening delimitation, which indicates the distance of the front areas of the segments viewed in the feed direction (FIG. 222a . 222b ) are limited to each other in the release position. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover ( 220 ) consists essentially, in particular completely, of plastic. A protective cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer sheath ( 222 ), the surgical instrument ( 110 ) in his head area ( 112 ) in the feed direction seen from the front substantially completely, in particular completely, cover. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tension elements ( 226a . 226b ) have a holding element which is set up, the tension elements ( 226a . 226b ) on the surgical instrument ( 110 ) to fix, in particular slidably fix in the axial direction. A protective cover according to claim 16, wherein the retaining element comprises the tension elements ( 226a . 226b ) in a direction transverse to the direction of advance of the surgical instrument ( 110 ) connects to each other. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover ( 220 ) has in its geometric configuration of a front region seen in the feed direction, a spherical segment, which is in particular formed substantially hemispherical, in particular hemispherical in shape. Operation unit ( 100 ), comprising: a surgical instrument ( 110 ), in particular a stapler; and a protective cover ( 220 ), characterized in that the protective cover ( 220 ) on the surgical instrument ( 110 ) is arranged; and this protective cover ( 220 ) contributes to the risk of injury to human or animal tissue during an advancing movement of the surgical instrument ( 110 ) in the human or animal body. An operating unit according to claim 19, wherein at least two separately sterilized packaging units, namely at least one surgical instrument ( 110 ), in particular a stapler, and at least one protective cover ( 220 ) are provided. An operating unit according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the protective cover ( 220 ) a protective cover ( 220 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 18. Operating unit according to one of claims 19 to 21, which is intended for use in at least one of the following indications, in particular stapled connections: (a) esophagus to stomach and stomach to esophagus; (b) rectum to colon and colon to rectum; (c) colon to colon; (d) large bowel to small bowel and small bowel to colon; (e) small intestine to small intestine; (f) stomach to small intestine and small intestine to stomach; (g) proctological procedures, especially for mucosal erosion; and (f) full wall resections.

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