Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of surgical instruments, specifically to laparoscopic devices used in minimally invasive surgeries. More particularly, the invention pertains to an articulable laparoscopic device designed to enhance the precision, maneuverability, and efficiency of surgical procedures by providing improved control and flexibility within the confined spaces of the human body. This device is intended to facilitate a range of laparoscopic operations, including but not limited to, suturing, dissection, and tissue manipulation, thus improving the overall outcomes of minimally invasive surgeries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a hollow steel rod-type instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the organs in the abdomen or permit small-scale surgery. This minimally invasive technique is commonly employed for various procedures, such as taking a small tissue sample for testing (a biopsy) or removing organs like the appendix or the gallbladder.

Conventional laparoscopic instruments, such as needle holders and graspers, are typically rigid and non-flexible. These non-articulable devices cannot be bent or articulated inside the patient's body during surgery. This rigidity presents significant challenges, making surgeries difficult, strenuous, and painful for both the patient and the surgeon. The need for articulation is especially pronounced when accessing the corners of the body or parts hidden behind other organs.

However, conventional laparoscopic instruments are of a rigid type and do not allow the jaws to rotate inside the body along yaw or pitch movements. While some flexible laparoscopes exist, they often lack the necessary strength to perform operations requiring high force. A few articulable laparoscopic devices are available in Western countries, but these often feature complex mechanisms and are very expensive.

In one prior art solution (US9333001B2), an articulable laparoscopic instrument is disclosed. In this invention, 3 joints are used to articulate the camera or jaws. Jaws are operated by a cable and joints are actuated by a thin rod. The mechanism of operation is different from ours. It has a lever on the handle to linearly move the rod to actuate joints. It gives small articulation. Our sis accomplished using two thin rods operated by a screw (no ratchet).

In another prior art solution (US20220133135A1), a full rotational articulation laparoscope is disclosed. The invention uses multiple cables to give multiple flexibility, and bends to the frontal end. To give articulation to the camera. The required strength for the needle holder is not feasible in this instrument.

Yet, in another prior art solution (WO2013168975A), a minimally invasive surgery tool having variable bend is disclosed. This invention is also operated by 2 wires having multiple wedge-shaped joints that move like a snake. This also cannot offer sufficient strength.

In a further prior art solution (WO2013168975A), an intralumenal accessory tip for endoscopic sheath arrangements is disclosed. This is a flexible endoscopic device oral insertion type. No strength is offered but large flexibility.

In view of the foregoing discussion, it is portrayed that there is a pressing need to design and develop an indigenous, affordable laparoscopic device that enhances surgical performance by allowing for comfortable, efficient, and less painful procedures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure seeks to provide an articulable laparoscopic device designed to enhance the performance and flexibility of minimally invasive surgical procedures. The device is easily articulable within the body, allowing surgeons to navigate complex anatomical structures with greater ease and precision. The jaws of the device provide sufficient grip to securely hold needles or tissues, facilitating a variety of surgical tasks. The joint at the bent or articulated position maintains its angle and does not displace due to reactive forces, ensuring consistent performance during surgery. The front end and rod of the device can rotate 360 degrees independently of the handle, offering unparalleled maneuverability. The joint is covered with a medical-grade flexible polymer tube, preventing contamination of the inner parts and ensuring hygiene and safety. The handle is ergonomically designed to provide comfort and ease of use, reducing surgeon fatigue and improving operational efficiency.

In an embodiment,anarticulable laparoscopic device is disclosed. The device includes a handle having a first portion adapted for gripping by a user, and a second portion having a cavity to accommodate a long rod and a recess to accommodate a crank or gear mechanism, wherein the second portion of the handle is configured to be releasably attached to the first portion of the handle. The device further includes a long rod constitutes a body of laparoscope extending from the second portion of the handle, wherein the rod has a front end and a back end, wherein the long rod is a hollow structure of diameter 5 to 10 mm. The device further includes an articulation joint operably connected to the long rod for rotating the front end of the long rod relative to the handle. The device further includes an articulation mechanism disposed within the second portion of the handle, wherein the articulation mechanism is configured to articulate the front end of the long rod relative to the handle. The device further includes a jaw assembly disposed at the front end of the long rod, wherein the jaw assembly comprises a jaw lever and a jaw cable connected to the jaw lever, wherein the jaw assembly includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw configured to grasp tissue or hold a needle. The device further includes a joint mechanism disposed at the front end of the long rod, the joint mechanism enabling articulation of the front end of the long rod, wherein the joint mechanism comprises a flexible polymer tube covering the joint mechanism to prevent contamination.

In another embodiment, the articulation mechanism disposed within the handle, wherein the articulation mechanism is operable to rotate the articulation joint relative to the long rod, wherein the first lever (108a) is connected to the first joint rod (104a) and the second lever (108b) is connected to the second joint rod(104b), wherein the connection is established through the sliding ring 118 and the other ends of these joint rods are connected to the two sides of the second joint member, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of an articulation knob driving a linkage system, wherein the articulation knob connected to the joint rod, wherein the articulation knob operable to translate the long rod relative to the handle by a user, or a gear mechanism is connected to the articulation knob for articulationof the joint 180 degrees.

Yet, in another embodiment, the articulation mechanism further comprises a lever system having the first and second lever operably connected to the articulation knob, and at least two slider rings operably connected to the lever system, wherein the slider rings adapted to translate linear movement of the lever system into rotational movement of the joint mechanism, wherein the slider rings have rectangular ribs projecting out of the inner circle, with a hole in it, wherein the rectangular ribs slide within a slot provided at the end of the long rod.

In a further embodiment, the gear mechanism comprises a gear system operably connected to the articulation knob, wherein the gear system comprises a first gear assembly rotatable with the articulation knob, wherein the first gear assembly comprises a first gear meshed with a pinion gear.
In one embodiment, a second gear assembly is associated with the first lever, wherein the second gear assembly comprises a second gear threaded along an inner diameter of the second gear and engaged with the screw threads of the first lever.
In one embodiment, a third gear assembly is associated with the second lever, wherein the third gear assembly comprises a third gear threaded along an inner diameter of the third gear and engaged with the screw threads of the second lever.
The rotation of the articulation knob causes rotation of the first gear assembly, which in turn drives the second and third gear assemblies in opposite directions due to the pinion gear, causing linear movement of the first and second levers in equal and opposite directions, and thereby rotating the articulation joint relative to the long rod, wherein the equal and opposite directions means the first lever in forward and second lever in backward direction and equal amount.

In a further embodiment, the gear mechanism further comprises a lead screw mechanism operably connected to the gear system, wherein the lead screw mechanism is adapted to translate the rotational movement of the gear system into linear movement of the joint mechanism.

In another embodiment, the first portionof the handle has a recess to accommodate the long rod and a recess to accommodate the jaw lever.

The device further comprises a trigger box disposed within a handle of the device, the trigger box comprising a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable to selectively lock the movable jaw in a closed position.
In one embodiment, a spring biasing the trigger box towards a home position.
In one embodiment, a connection mechanism operable to move the trigger box away from a home position in response to movement of an articulation mechanism of the device, wherein movement of the jaw lever causes actuation of the jaw cable to open or close the jaw assembly, and engagement of the ratchet and pawl mechanism locks the jaw lever in the selected position, further wherein the connection mechanism allows for additional cable movement during articulation of the long rod while the jaw assembly is closed.

In another embodiment, the jaw cable is operably connected to the movable jaw for selectively opening and closing the jaw assembly, and spring biasing the movable jaw towards an open position, wherein the long rod and the rotation knobs are rigidly attached so that rotation of the knob the entire front end of the device rotates 3600 without rotating the handle, wherein the rotation knob is attached to a pair of gear that in turn rotates the back end of the long rod 3600.

In one embodiment, a back end of a first thin joint rod and a second joint rod are connected to the rectangular rib of a first slider ring and a second slider ring respectively, wherein the thin rods are around 1 mm in diameter and are made of SS or Titanium material, wherein the articulation knob has internal threads like a nut and the first lever has meting screw type threads, such that a clockwise rotation of the articulation knob leads to linear movement of the first lever in a backward direction, wherein when the first and second levers are connected with a crank, the linear movement of first lever causes liner movement of the second lever in an opposite direction, and the first slider ring is pulled backward and the second slider ring is pushed forward or vice a versa that causes articulation joint to rotate in the right or left direction.

In a further embodiment, the articulation joint is connected to the long rod, wherein the articulation joint comprises a first joint member fixed in the front end of the long rod, a second joint member movable relative to the first joint member, and a flexible cover encapsulating the articulation joint, wherein the connection mechanism includes at least one thin rod connected to the second joint member, wherein one thin rod is connected to the one side of the second joint member and second thin rod is connected to the other side of the second joint member.

An object of the present disclosure is toprovide the freedom to rotate the instrument 160 to 180 degrees inside the body, which is particularly useful in complex surgeries.
Another object of the present disclosure is toenable needle movement perpendicular to the tissue being sutured, thereby reducing the number of instruments required.
Another object of the present disclosure is to offer a jaw assembly that provides sufficient grip to securely hold needles or tissues, thereby facilitating a variety of surgical tasks with improved reliability.
Another object of the present disclosure is to ensure that the articulation joint offers enough strength to maintain its angle during surgery, preventing displacement due to reactive forces and ensuring stable operation.
Another object of the present disclosure is to allow the front end and rod of the device to rotate 360 degrees independently of the handle, enhancing maneuverability and access to different areas within the surgical site.
Another object of the present disclosure is to cover the joint mechanism with a medical-grade flexible polymer tube, preventing contamination of the internal parts and ensuring the device remains hygienic and safe for use.
Another object of the present disclosure is to design the handle ergonomically, providing convenience and comfort to the surgeon, reducing fatigue, and improving the overall efficiency of surgical procedures.
Yet another object of the present invention is to deliver an expeditious and cost-effective laparoscopic device that is easy to articulate within the body, allowing surgeons to perform surgeries with greater precision and control.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read concerning the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of anarticulable laparoscopic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a) an articulation Mechanism 1 with Lever in a round handle,and b) an articulation Mechanism 2 with gears in pistol handle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a) Lever A or B with semicircular Fork, b) Round handle, c) Pistol handle, and d) Articulation Gears arrangement,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a joint for articulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates an enlarged view of the articulation Knob, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates a) Round handle to Jaw full figure, b) Round handle with Lever J, and c) Pistol handle to Jaw full figure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates a) Jaw and Joint, b) Jaw and Joint, and c) Jaw and Joint, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 illustrates a) an exploded view of Jaws and Joint, and b) an exploded view of Jaws and Joint, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 illustrates a) slider ring A, and b) slider ring B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10 illustrates a Sliding Box with Trigger Mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 11 illustrates an Articulated Position of the Laparoscope including a) Articulated to the Left Side, b) neutral position, and c) Articulated to the Right Side, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate those elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

To promote an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail concerning the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1, a block diagram of an articulable laparoscopic deviceis illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 100 includes a handle (102) having a first portion (102a) adapted for gripping by a user, and a second portion (102b) of the handle having a cavity to accommodate a long rod (104) and a recess to accommodate a crank (114) or a gear mechanism (116), wherein the second portion (102b) of the handle is configured to be releasably attached to the first portion (102a) of the handle.
In an embodiment, a long rod (104) constitutes a body of laparoscope extending from the second portion (102b) of the handle, wherein the rod has a front end and a back end, wherein the long rod (104) is a hollow structure of diameter 5 to 10 mm.
In an embodiment, an articulation joint (106)is operably connected to the long rod (104) for rotating/bending the front end of the long rod relative to the handle (102).
In an embodiment, an articulation mechanism (108)is disposed of within the second portion (102b) of the handle, wherein the articulation mechanism (108) is configured to articulate the front end of the long rod relative to the handle (102).
In an embodiment, a jaw assembly (110)is disposed at the front end of the long rod, wherein the jaw assembly (110) comprises a jaw lever (110a) and a jaw cable (110b) connected to the jaw lever (110a), wherein the jaw assembly (110) includes a fixed jaw (110c) and a movable jaw (110d) configured to grasp tissue or hold a needle.
In an embodiment, a joint mechanism (112)is disposed at the front end of the long rod, the joint mechanism (112) enabling articulation of the front end of the long rod, wherein the joint mechanism (112) comprises a flexible polymer tube covering the joint mechanism (112) to prevent contamination.

In another embodiment, the articulation mechanism (108)is disposed within the handle (102), wherein the articulation mechanism (108) is operable to rotate the articulation joint (106) relative to the long rod (104), wherein the first lever (108a) is connected to the first joint rod (104a) and the second lever (108b) is connected to the second joint rod(104b), wherein the connection is established through the sliding ring 118 and the other ends of these joint rods are connected to the two sides of the second joint member, and an actuator operable to cause relative movement between the first and second levers, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of an articulation knob (120) driving a linkage system, wherein the articulation knob (120) connected to the joint rod (104), wherein the articulation knob (120) operable to translate the joint rod (104) relative to the handle (102) by a user, or a gear mechanism (116) is connected to the articulation knob (120) for articulation of the joint 180 degrees.

Yet, in another embodiment, the articulation mechanism (108) further comprises a lever system having the first and second lever (108b) operably connected to the articulation knob (120), and at least two slider rings (118) operably connected to the lever system, wherein the slider rings (118) adapted to translate linear movement of the lever system into rotational movement of the joint mechanism (112), wherein the slider rings (118) have rectangular ribs projecting out of the inner circle, with a hole in it, wherein the rectangular ribs slide within a slot provided at the end of the long rod.

In a further embodiment, the gear mechanism (116) comprises a gear system operably connected to the articulation knob (120), wherein the gear system comprises a first gear assembly rotatable with the articulation knob (120), wherein the first gear assembly comprises a first gear meshed with a pinion gear.
In one embodiment, a second gear assembly is associated with the first lever (108a), wherein the second gear assembly comprises a second gear threaded along an inner diameter of the second gear and engaged with the screw threads of the first lever (108a).
In one embodiment, a third gear assembly is associated with the second lever (108b), wherein the third gear assembly comprises a third gear threaded along an inner diameter of the third gear and engaged with the screw threads of the second lever (108b).
The rotation of the articulation knob (120) causes rotation of the first gear assembly, which in turn drives the second and third gear assemblies in opposite directions due to the pinion gear, causing linear movement of the first and second levers in equal and opposite directions, and thereby rotating the articulation joint (106) relative to the long rod (104) , wherein the equal and opposite directions means the first lever in forward and second lever in backward direction and equal amount.

In a further embodiment, the gear mechanism (116) further comprises a lead screw mechanism (124) operably connected to the gear system, wherein the lead screw mechanism (124) is adapted to translate the rotational movement of the gear system into linear movement of the joint mechanism (112).

In another embodiment, the first portion (102a)of the handle (102) has a recess to accommodate the long rod (104) and a recess to accommodate the jaw lever (110a).

The device further comprises a trigger box disposed within a handle (102) of the device, the trigger box comprising a ratchet and pawl mechanism (126) operable to selectively lock the movable jaw (110d) in a closed position.
In one embodiment, a spring biasing the trigger box towards a home position.
In one embodiment, a connection mechanism operable to move the trigger box away from a home position by a release trigger (128) in response to movement of an articulation mechanism (108) of the device, wherein movement of the jaw lever (110a) causes actuation of the jaw cable (110b) to open or close the jaw assembly (110), and engagement of the ratchet and pawl mechanism (126) locks the jaw lever (110a) in the selected position, further wherein the connection mechanism allows for additional cable movement during articulation of the long rod (104) while the jaw assembly (110) is closed.

In another embodiment, the jaw cable (110b) is operably connected to the movable jaw (110d) for selectively opening and closing the jaw assembly (110), and spring biasing the movable jaw (110d) towards an open position, wherein the long rod (104) and the rotation knobs are rigidly attached so that rotation of the knob the entire front end of the device rotates 3600 without rotating the handle (102), wherein the rotation knob (122) is attached to a pair of gear that in turn rotates the back end of the long rod 3600.

In one embodiment, a back end of a first thin joint rod (104a) and a second joint rod (104b) are connected to the rectangular rib of a first slider ring and a second slider ring respectively, wherein the thin rods are around 1 mm in diameter and are made of SS or Titanium material, wherein the articulation knob (120) has internal threads like a nut and the first lever (108a) has meting screw type threads, such that a clockwise rotation of the articulation knob (120) leads to linear movement of the first lever (108a) in a backward direction, wherein when the first and second levers are connected with a crank (114), the linear movement of first lever (108a) causes liner movement of the second lever (108b) in an opposite direction, and the first slider ring is pulled backward and the second slider ring is pushed forward or vice a versa that causes articulation joint (106) to rotate in the right or left direction.

In a further embodiment, the articulation joint (106) is connected to the long rod (104), wherein thearticulation joint (106) comprises a first joint member (106a) fixed in the front end of the long rod, a second joint member (106b) movable relative to the first joint member (106a), and a flexible cover encapsulating the articulation joint (106), wherein the connection mechanism includes at least one thin rod connected to the second joint member, wherein one thin rod is connected to the one side of the second joint member and second thin rod is connected to the other side of the second joint member.

Figure 2 illustrates a) an articulation Mechanism 1 with Lever in a round handle, and b) an articulation Mechanism 2 with gears in a pistol handle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This articulable laparoscopic device has 3 main subassemblies/mechanisms.

1) Mechanism to articulate the front end of the laparoscope
2) Mechanism to open and close the jaw and to lock the jaw
3) Mechanism to have 360 rotation to the front end of the laparoscope

Referring to Figure 2, the back end of the device has a handle, a hosting mechanism to articulate the front end, and a mechanism to operate the jaw. The handle is designed in such a way that it has several hollow cavities to accommodate various parts. A long rod (104) that constitutes the body of a laparoscope has its back-end into the handle and front-end attached to the joint for articulation and jaws for grasping/needle-holding. This long rod (104) is a hollow structure of diameter 5 to 10 mm.
Handle is designed in such a way that it is split into two parts – Handle A and Handle B (See Figure 6). Handles have symmetrical recesses to accommodate the long rod (104), articulation knob (120), lever A (108a), lever B (108b), screw mechanism (124), etc. as shown in Figure 2a. Handle A has recess to accommodate a Lever J for Jaw. It also has some holes to reduce the weight of the handle. Handle B has a specific rectangular recess to accommodate a crank (114).
Figure 2b indicates another variation of the handle having a slightly different mechanism for articulation, Rotation, and Jaw operation. It has additional parts such as a gear mechanism (116) for Long rod rotation, a Gear+Leadscrew mechanism (124) for the articulation of joints, and a Sliding boxto compensate for stretching of the jaw cable (110b) while the articulation joint (106) rotates.

The mechanism to articulate the joint:
Articulation Mechanism 1: Referring to Figure 2a - It consists of an articulation knob (120), Lever A, Lever B, Slider Ring A (118a), Slider Ring B (118b), and crank (114). The end of the long rod that is inside the handle (102) has a slot at its end portion. Slider rings (118) have rectangular ribs projecting out of the inner circle, with a hole in it (Figure 9). These rectangular ribs slide within the slot provided at the end of the long rod. The back end of a thin Joint Rod A (104a) and Joint Rod B (104b) (Shown in Figure 6) are connected to the rectangular rib of Slider Ring A and Slider Ring B respectively. These thin rods are around 1 mm in diameter and are made of SS or Titanium material. The articulation knob (120) has internal threads like a nut and the lever A has meting screw-type threads. Hence, the clockwise rotation of the articulation knob (120) leads to linear movement of the Lever A in a backward direction. As lever A and B are connected with a crank (114), the linear movement of lever A causes linear movement of lever B in the opposite direction. Thus, the Slier Ring A is pulled backward and Slider Ring B is pushed forward or vice versa. That causes the articulation joint (106) to rotate in the right or left direction (Figure 11).
Articulation Mechanism 2: In this mechanism, Lever A and Lever B are connected to gears as shown in Figure 2b. The articulation knob (120) is connected to gear K, which meshes with the pinion placed on the same shaft having gear A. Gear A is placed on the screw threads of Lever A, and Gear B is placed on the screw threads of Lever B. Gear A and B is having internal screw threads along its inner diameter as shown in Figure 3d. The gears are allowed to rotate about it axis and the sliding or linear movement of it is restrained. That causes the screw end of the Lever A or B to move linearly depending upon clockwise or anticlockwise rotation of the articulation knob (120). This gear mechanism (116) enables the liner movement of Lever A and Lever B in equal and opposite direction. The rest of the mechanism that moves slider Ring A and B and the Pulling or pushing of Thin Rod A and B is the same as in the case of Articulation Mechanism 1.
Slider or Trigger Box: This Mechanism is shown in Figure 10. The upper end of the jaw lever (110a) is pivoted to the walls of the Trigger box. The cable responsible for opening/closing of the jaw is connected to the jaw lever (110a) at some distance below the pivot. In the hollow space within the jaw lever (110a), the Ratchet and Paul mechanism is placed. The lower end of the Rachet acts as the release trigger. When the jaw lever (110a) is pulled the jaw cable (110b) gets pulled and thus the movable jaw (110d) gets closed. Simultaneously the rachet teeth slides over the Paul teeth and at whatever position the jaw lever (110a) is stopped, it gets locked due to Rachet and Paul teeth engagement. That enables the locking of the jaw and also it controls the tightening of the jaw. By pressing/pushing of the release trigger the Rachet teeth gets disengaged from the Paul teeth and thus the jaw lever (110a) gets unlocked, and it automatically opens the Jaw due to spring force. The Trigger Box is Placed on guides inside the handle body at home position under the spring pressure. Lever A and B are designed in a way that the forward movement of either of them moves the trigger box forward against the spring pressure. The Trigger box arrangement gives allowance to the cable to move some extra length when articulation of the joint needs to be performed while the jaw is in a closed position. The Trigger box avoids overstressing the cable during articulation of the joint when the jaw is in the closed position.
The mechanism to operate jaws: It consists of jaws, a cable to operate a movable jaw (110d), a lever to operate a jaw, etc. One jaw is fixed, and the other jaw is riveted to the frontmost end of the Joint A. One end of the cable is connected to the movable jaw (110d) and the other end has a sphere ball that is placed inside a recess at the bottom of the lever J for jaws (Figure 6b). Lever J (110a) for jaws is hinged to the handle such that by pressing the lever J the cable is pulled against the spring tension and thus the jaw gets closed. There is a rachet and Paul mechanism to lock the position of this lever J and hence of the jaw.
The jaw operating mechanism is also depicted in Figure 7c. A top portion of the Lever Jaw is hinged within the trigger box. The back end of a cable to operate the movable jaw (110d) is connected to the Lever Jaw (Figure 10). The other end of the jaw is connected to the movable jaw (110d) (Figure 7c). By pulling the jaw lever (110a) the cable gets pulled and the jaw is closed against the spring force.
Joint mechanism: The articulation joint (106) consists of two parts as shown in Figure 7 (Joint A and Joint B). Joint A (106a) is fixed in the front end of the long rod, or it is an integral part of the front end of the long rod (104). Joint A has two ribs as shown in Figure 7c with holes to accommodate the rivets. Joint B (106b) also has two ribs that can overlap with the ribs of A. Both Joint A and Joint B ribs have matching holes for riveting purposes. Joint B also has 2 holes or recesses on its body so that thin Joint Rod A and Joint Rod B can be connected to each side of its body (Figure 7b and Figure 6c). The joint is covered with a medical-grade flexible polymer tube.
Jaws: Jaws are of 2 types. One jaw is fixed and the other jaw is riveted to the other end of Joint A (Figure 8). The movable jaw (110d) has two ribs (Figures 7b and 7c) where one end of the cable is connected between them. A spring is connected to the movable jaw (110d) so that the jaw is in a normally open position.
Rotation mechanism: The front end of the device can be rotated without rotating the handle (102). For this, a rotation knob (122) is provided to the front end of the round handle as shown in Figure 2a. And the rotation knob (122) is in the middle of the pistol handle in the case of Figure 2b. A circular disc of this knob is placed inside the handle so that it can freely rotate. The long rod and the rotation knobs are rigidly attached so that by rotation of the knob the entire front end of the device rotates 3600 without rotating the handle (102). In the case of the Mechanism shown in Figure 2b, the rotation knob (122) is attached to a pair of gears that in turn rotates the back end of the long rod 3600.

One full operation cycle showing an operation of the apparatus from start to end:
Jaw functionality: A device is held by holding a hand around the handle. By pressing a lever jaw or lever J provided on the handle a cable is pulled out that pulls the movable jaw (110d) inward causing it to close. A ratchet mechanism provided along the jaw lever (110a) helps to lock the jaw with strong grip. The cable is pulled against the spiral spring provided near the jaw lever hinge. By pressing the Release Trigger the Jaw Lever is released and the jaw opens back to its normally open position.
Articulation functionality: The articulation knob (120) is provided on the handle. The rotation of the articulation knob by the index finger or a thumb causes activation of Articulation Mechanism 1 in the round handle and activation of Mechanism 2 in the pistol handle. This enables the linear motion of Lever A and B in equal amounts and in opposite directions with respect to each other. Levers A and B have semicircular fork-type portions at their front end. The slider ring is placed in between the two semicircular fork rings of levers A and B (Figure 3a). Hence the linear movement of lever A or B causes sliding of the Sider Ring A or B respectively. The linear motion of the slider rings pulls one of the thin Joint Rod (A or B) and pushes the other thin Joint Rod (A or B). The thin Joint rod movements make the articulation joint (106) to move around the vertical axis of the joint. (Figure 11)
Rotation of entire front-end functionality: The rotation knob (122) is fixed to the long rod (Figures 2a and 2b). As the rotation knob (122) is rotated by the index finger the long rod along with the articulation joint (106) and jaws rotates. Along with the long rod the Slider Ring A and B, the thin Rod A and B, the Jaws and the cable for jaws also rotate. However, that does not affect the position of the handle due to the arrangement of the spherical back end of the jaw cable (110b) and the semicircular rings of levers A and B. In other words, rotation of Slider Ring A and B does not rotate the semicircular ends of lever A and B. The rotation of the spherical end of the jaw cable (110b) takes place within the spherical slot provided in the handle. Hence, the handle remains stationary while the other part of the device rotates.
Scope for possible changes in the design: Rotation knob, Jaw operating lever, and Articulation knob can be placed at any other position over the handle without affecting the functionality of the device. The shape of the handle, jaws, knobs, and joints can be different, but the functionality will remain the same. Dimensions and sizes may also vary depending onthe application of the device.

Figure 3 illustrates a) Lever A or B with semicircular Fork, b) Round handle, c) Pistol handle, and d) Articulation Gears arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates a joint for articulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates an enlarged view of the articulation Knob, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates a) Round handle to Jaw full figure, b) Round handle with Lever J, and c) Pistol handle to Jaw full figure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 illustrates a) Jaw and Joint, b) Jaw and Joint, and c) Jaw and Joint, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 illustrates a) an exploded view of Jaws and Joint, and b) an exploded view of Jaws and Joint, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 illustrates a) slider ring A, and b) slider ring B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 illustrates a Sliding Box with Trigger Mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 illustrates an Articulated Position of the Laparoscope including a) Articulated to the Left Side, b) neutral position, and c) Articulated to the Right Side, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The disclosed invention provides an articulable Laparoscope device that empowers surgeons with greater intraoperative dexterity, potentially revolutionizing minimally invasive procedures. The disclosed invention is easy to articulate inside the body while performing surgery. The disclosed device provides sufficient grip to jaws to hold needles or tissues. The device offers enough strength to the joint at the bent/articulated position i.e. it does not displace from its articulated angle due to reactive forces. The device allows 3600 rotations to the front end and the rod without rotating the handle. The joint is covered with a medical-grade flexible polymer tube that prevents contamination of the inner parts of the joint. The ergonomicdesign of the handle enables convenience to a surgeon in holding and operating the device

The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above about specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.
, Claims:1. An articulable laparoscopic device, the device comprises:

a handle (102) having a first portion (102a) adapted for gripping by a user, and a second portion (102b) having a cavity to accommodate a long rod (104) and a recess to accommodate a crank (114) or agear mechanism (116), said second portion (102b) of the handleconfigured to be releasably attached to the first portion (102a) of the handle;
a long rod (104) constitutes a body of laparoscope extending from the second portion (102b) of the handle, said rod (104) having a front end and a back end, said long rod (104) is a hollow structure of diameter 5 to 10 mm;
an articulation joint (106) operably connected to the long rod (104) for rotating the front end of the long rod relative to the handle;
an articulation mechanism (108) disposed within the second portion (102b) of the handle, said articulation mechanism (108) configured to articulate the front end of the long rod relative to the handle;
a jaw assembly (110) disposed at the front end of the long rod, said jaw assembly (110) comprises a jaw lever (110a) and a jaw cable (110b) connected to the jaw lever (110a), said jaw assembly (110) includes a fixed jaw (110c) and a movable jaw (110d) configured to grasp tissue or hold a needle; and
a joint mechanism (112) disposed at the front end of the long rod, saidjoint mechanism (112) enabling articulation of the front end of the long rod, said joint mechanism (112) comprises a flexible polymer tube covering the joint mechanism (112) to prevent contamination.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the articulation mechanism (108) disposed within the handle (102), said articulation mechanism (108) operable to rotate the articulation joint (106) relative to the long rod (104), said articulation mechanism (108) comprising:
a first lever (108a) connected to the first joint rod (104a);
a second lever (108b) connected to the second joint rod(104b), wherein the connection is established through the sliding ring 118 and the other ends of these joint rods are connected to the two sides of the second joint member;
an actuator operable to cause relative movement between the first and second levers;
wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of:
an articulation knob (120) driving a linkage system, said the articulation knob (120) connected to the joint rod (104), said articulation knob (120) operable to translate the joint rod (104) relative to the handle by a user; or
a gear mechanism (116)connected to the articulation knob (120) for articulation of the joint 180 degrees.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the articulation mechanism (108) further comprises:
a lever system having the first and second lever (108b) operably connected to the articulation knob (120); and
at least two slider rings (118) operably connected to the lever system, said slider rings (118) adapted to translate linear movement of the lever system into rotational movement of the joint mechanism (112), wherein said slider rings (118) have rectangular ribs projecting out of the inner circle, with a hole in it, said rectangular ribs slide within a slot provided at the end of the long rod.

4. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gear mechanism (116) comprises:
a gear system operably connected to the articulation knob (120), said gear system comprises:
a first gear assembly rotatable with the articulation knob (120), said first gear assembly comprising:
a first gear meshed with a pinion gear;
a second gear assembly associated with the first lever (108a), said second gear assembly comprising:
a second gear threaded along an inner diameter of the second gear and engaged with the screw threads of the first lever (108a);
a third gear assembly associated with the second lever (108b), said third gear assembly comprising:
a third gear threaded along an inner diameter of the third gear and engaged with the screw threads of the second lever (108b); and
wherein rotation of the articulation knob (120) causes rotation of the first gear assembly, which in turn drives the second and third gear assemblies in opposite directions due to the pinion gear, causing linear movement of the first and second levers in equal and opposite directions, and thereby rotating the articulation joint (106) relative to the long rod (104), wherein the equal and opposite directions means the first lever in forward and second lever in backward direction and equal amount.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4, the gear mechanism (116) further comprises a lead screw mechanism (124) operably connected to the gear system, said lead screw mechanism (124) is adapted to translate the rotational movement of the gear system into linear movement of the joint rod (104).

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (102a) of the handle has a recess to accommodate said long rod (104) and a recess to accommodate the jaw lever (110a).

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a trigger box disposed within a handle of the device, the trigger box comprising:
a ratchet and pawl mechanism (126) operable to selectively lock the movable jaw (110d) in a closed position;
a spring biasing the trigger box towards a home position; and
a connection mechanism operable to move the trigger box away from a home position by a release trigger (128) in response to movement of an articulation mechanism (108) of the device, wherein movement of the jaw lever (110a) causes actuation of the jaw cable (110b) to open or close the jaw assembly (110), and engagement of the ratchet and pawl mechanism (126) locks the jaw lever (110a) in the selected position, further wherein the connection mechanism allows for additional cable movement during articulation of the long rod (104) while the jaw assembly (110) is closed.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the jaw cable (110b) operably connected to the movable jaw (110d) for selectively opening and closing the jaw assembly (110) and the spring biasing the movable jaw (110d) towards an open position, wherein the long rod (104) and the rotation knobs (122) are rigidly attached so that by rotation of the knob the entire front end of the device rotates 3600 without rotating the handle, wherein the rotation knob (122) is attached to a pair of gear that in turn rotates the back end of the long rod 3600.

9. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein a back end of a first thin joint rod (104a) and a second joint rod (104b) are connected to the rectangular rib of a first slider ring and a second slider ring respectively, said thin rods are around 1 mm in diameter and are made of SS or Titanium material, wherein the articulation knob (120) has internal threads like a nut and the first lever (108a) has meting screw type threads, such that a clockwise rotation of the articulation knob (120) leads to linear movement of the first lever (108a) in a backward direction, wherein when the first and second levers are connected with a crank (114), the linear movement of first lever (108a) causes liner movement of the second lever (108b) in an opposite direction, and the first slider ring is pulled backward and the second slider ring is pushed forward or vice a versa that causes articulation joint (106) to rotate in the right or left direction.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the articulation joint (106) connected to the long rod (104), said articulation joint (106) comprising:
a first joint member (106a) fixed in the front end of the long rod (104);
a second joint member (106b) movable relative to the first joint member (106a); and
a flexible cover encapsulating the articulation joint (106), wherein the connection mechanism includes at least one thin rod connected to the second joint member, wherein one thin rod is connected to the one side of the second joint member and second thin rod is connected to the other side of the second joint member.