Handle for laparoscopic instrument

Abstract

The invention provides an actuator handle useful in connection with a variety of surgical instruments, in particular, least invasive surgical instruments having an elongate shaft and an axial passage in the shaft in which a linkage is slidably disposed. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator handle comprises a tubular housing axially aligned with the shaft having an axially-aligned elongate opening on a lateral side thereof. A lever is disposed in the elongate opening and is pivotally coupled to the housing at a first end and coupled to the linkage of the surgical instrument at a second end. The second end of the lever is coupled to the linkage wherein the linkage is translated axially by pivoting the lever relative to the housing. The actuator handle further includes a locking lever to lock the lever in an inward position, as well as a pigtail connector for connecting the linkage to an electrosurgical generator. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator handle will be utilized in an electrosurgical instrument having a surgical hook at its distal end and a paddle element mounted to reciprocate axially relative to the hook. The paddle element and/or the hook will be electrically conductive, whereby electrical energy may be delivered from an electrosurgical generator through the hook or paddle element to a body structure. The handle further allows the paddle element to be locked in a distally-extended position for use as a paddle-shaped monopolar electrode by locking the lever in an inward position.