Arming device for a medical instrument

Abstract

The arming device for use in manipulating with one hand a medical instrument comprises first and second telescoping members. The instrument members are longitudinally movable relative to one another, and the device comprises an arcuate flexible member having a forward portion and a rearward portion with means at the forward portion for engaging the first member of the instrument and means at the rearward portion for engaging the second member whereby squeezing of the flexible member laterally toward the instrument causes the first and second telescoping members to move longitudinally away from each other thereby to cause arming or operation of the instrument. The method of using the arming device comprises the steps of connecting a distal end of a distal longitudinally movable telescoping member of a medical instrument to first engaging means of the device and connecting a proximal end of a proximal longitudinally movable telescoping member of the medical instrument to second engaging means of the device which is spaced from the first engaging means; placing an assembly of the device with the instrument members engaged thereto in the palm of the hand; and placing a squeezing force, directed laterally toward the instrument, upon at least an area of the device which lies alongside the medical instrument between the engaging means to flex the device, elongating the device along an axis parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the instrument to cause the telescoping members of the instrument to move longitudinally away from one another.