Surgical forceps

Abstract

This application presents a bifurcated, optimally-angled surgical forceps. In one example, this surgical forceps may enable a more natural maneuver for initial clamping of the vas deferens through the scrotal skin. This may be more comfortable for users and easier to maintain, and may provide greater tactile surface contact between the thumb and vas deferens. This device also may provide the surgeon with an entire segment of vas deferens upon which the vasectomy may be performed, thus reducing the need for frequent repositioning of instruments. The device may also be applied to other surgical procedures that may benefit from the features of the device and where a section of a tubular anatomical structure may need clamping at two points along its length. Examples include blood and lymphatic vessels, ducts of the digestive system, and large nerves or nerve bundles.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A surgical forceps having a proximal end and a distal end comprising:
 a first elongated arm and a second elongated arm;   a hinge, wherein the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm are pivoted at the hinge;   a first finger grip at the proximal end of the first elongated arm;   a second finger grip at the proximal end of the second elongated arm;   a ratcheting mechanism comprising a first ratchet on the first elongated arm adjacent to the first finger grip and a second ratchet on the second elongated arm adjacent to the second finger grip, wherein the first ratchet engages with the second ratchet as the finger grips are brought toward one another;   a first jaw at a distal end of the first elongated arm, wherein the first jaw is bifurcated to form a first branch and a second branch; and wherein the first branch further comprises a first tip at the distal end of the surgical forceps, and wherein the second branch further comprises a second tip at the distal end of the surgical forceps;   a second jaw at a distal end of the second elongated arm, wherein the second jaw is bifurcated to form a third branch and a fourth branch; and   wherein the third branch further comprises a third tip at the distal end of the surgical forceps, and wherein the fourth branch further comprises a fourth tip at the distal end of the surgical forceps; and   wherein, when the ratchets are engaged, the first tip and the third tip form a first curved enclosure, and the second tip and the fourth tip form a second curved enclosure.   
     
     
         2 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 1 , wherein, when the ratchets are engaged;
 the first jaw and the second jaw form a first plane; and the first finger grip, the second finger grip, the first elongated arm, and the second elongated arm form a second plane; wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other.   
     
     
         3 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 1 , wherein, when the ratchets are engaged;
 the first jaw and the second jaw form a first plane; and the first finger grip, the second finger grip, the first elongated arm, and the second elongated arm form a second plane; wherein the first plane and the second plane are at an oblique angle to each other.   
     
     
         4 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 1 , wherein the first elongated arm, the second elongated arm, the hinge, or combinations thereof are bent at an angle. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 4 , wherein the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm are both bent at an angle. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 4 , wherein the hinge is bent at an angle. 
     
     
         7 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 1 , wherein the surgical forceps further comprises a stem located between the hinge and the distal end of the surgical forceps; and wherein the stem has a broad base. 
     
     
         8 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 1 , wherein the distance between the two branches of the first jaw and the distance between the two branches of the second jaw are equal. 
     
     
         9 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 8 , wherein said equal distance is at least 10 millimeters. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 9 , wherein said equal distance varies within the range of 10 millimeters to 30 millimeters. 
     
     
         11 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 1 , wherein the first curved enclosure and the second curved enclosure are circular. 
     
     
         12 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 11 , wherein the first curved enclosure and the second curved enclosure have the same diameter, wherein the said diameter is at least 3 millimeters. 
     
     
         13 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 11 , wherein the first curved enclosure and the second curved enclosure have the equal diameter, wherein the said diameter varies in the range of 3 millimeters to 5 millimeters. 
     
     
         14 . The surgical forceps of the  claim 1 , wherein the tips are configured to apply at least one surgical clip. 
     
     
         15 . A method for performing a vasectomy comprising:
 pinching the vas deferens with fingers,   clamping the vas deferens with the surgical forceps of  claim 1  at two locations, and   occluding the vas deferens.   
     
     
         16 . A method for performing a vasectomy comprising:
 pinching the vas deferens with fingers,   clamping the vas deferens with the surgical forceps of  claim 4  at two locations,   separating the vas deferens from the surrounding tissue, and   flipping the surgical forceps prior to occluding the vas deferens.