GB2560435A

GB2560435A - Drive apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2560435A
Application number: GB1801452.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Waqar Majeed Ali
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-02
Filing date: 2018-01-30
Publication date: 2018-09-12
Also published as: WO2018142111A1; GB201801452D0; GB201701758D0

Abstract

The apparatus 210 comprises a support 129 for a surgical device 110, a driver 132 with a transmission arrangement 134, 136, 138 that transmits the driving force to the moveable part 116 of the device 110 through an urging arrangement 142, 146. A control arrangement 150 is configured so that the user can control the driving force. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with an endoscope (100, fig 8) and controls the extension of a cutting wire (120, fig 8) extending through conduit 112 of device 110. Another embodiment of the drive device is in the form of a drive apparatus for fluid feed device (figs 1-4) which may also be used with an endoscope.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Ali Waqar Majeed

Ranmoor Road, SHEFFIELD, South Yorkshire, S10 3HJ, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

A61B 1/00 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

EP 2033590 A2 EP 1362606 A1 US 5431645 A US 4952205 A (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA61B Other: WPI, EPODOC

EP 1782744 A2 WO 1996/009844 A1 US 4978335 A US 4708125 A (72) Inventor(s):

Ali Waqar Majeed (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Howard Lock Intellectual Property Westthorpe Business Innovation Centre, Westthorpe Fields Business Park, Killamarsh, SHEFFIELD, S21 1TZ, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Drive apparatus

Abstract Title: Drive Apparatus for a medical device (57) The apparatus 210 comprises a support 129 for a surgical device 110, a driver 132 with a transmission arrangement 134, 136, 138 that transmits the driving force to the moveable part 116 of the device 110 through an urging arrangement 142, 146. A control arrangement 150 is configured so that the user can control the driving force. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with an endoscope (100, fig 8) and controls the extension of a cutting wire (120, fig 8) extending through conduit 112 of device 110. Another embodiment of the drive device is in the form of a drive apparatus for fluid feed device (figs 1-4) which may also be used with an endoscope.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy. This print incorporates corrections made under Section 117(1) of the Patents Act 1977.

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DRIVE APPARATUS

This invention relates to drive apparatus for use with medical instruments, such as endoscopes. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to implementation apparatus for use with medical instruments, such as endoscopes. Embodiments of the invention relate to combinations of fluid feed apparatus and medical instruments, such as endoscopes.

During use of an endoscope, an endoscopist may be required to inject a dye for Xray purposes or to carry out endoscopic procedures, for example Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP). At present, the dye is injected by an endoscopy nurse following instructions from the endoscopist. Alternatively the endoscopist may choose to inject the dye manually him/her self. In the case of some other endoscopic procedures, for example an endoscopic sphincterotomy, a controller is required to enable the procedure to be carried out, the controller being for controlling a distal surgical device, such as a cutting member. In such procedures, the endoscopist may instruct the endoscopy nurse to operate the controller or the endoscopist may choose to operate the controller. The controller is usually configured so that the thumb is inserted into a moving part of the controller and the index and middle fingers into a static part of the controller. The thumb is pulled back away from the index and middle fingers thus operating the desired device for example a sphincterotome or an endoscopic basket.

According to an aspect of this invention, there is provided a drive apparatus for use with a medical instrument, the drive apparatus comprising: a support for an implementation device, the implementation device being configured for implementing a process in an internal region of a human or animal body; a driver for providing a driving force; a transmission arrangement for transmitting the driving force from the driver to the implementation device to effect said process; and a control arrangement for controlling the driver, the control arrangement being configured so that the user can control the driving force while using the medical instrument.

In one embodiment, the implementation device comprise an endoscopic accessory device, for example a sphincterotome or basket.

In one embodiment, the implementation device may comprise a fluid feed device for feeding fluid to the internal region of the human or animal body.

According to a further aspect of this invention, there is provided an implementation apparatus comprising a drive apparatus as described above, and an implementation device supported on the support.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a combination of an implementation apparatus as described above and a medical instrument.

The medical instrument may comprise an endoscope.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a drive apparatus for use with a medical instrument, the drive apparatus comprising: a support for an implementation device comprising a fluid feed device, the fluid feed device being configured for effecting a process in an internal region of a human or animal body, said process comprising feeding fluid to the internal region of a human or animal body; a driver for providing a driving force; a transmission arrangement for transmitting the driving force from the driver to the fluid feed device to feed said fluid; and a control arrangement for controlling the driver, the control arrangement being configured so that the user can control the driving force while using the medical instrument.

The transmission arrangement may comprise a shaft, which may be rotatable. The shaft may have a longitudinal axis and may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The shaft may be threaded.

The transmission arrangement may further include an urging arrangement on the shaft for engaging the implementation device and urging at least a part of the implementation device to effect said process. The urging arrangement may comprise a threaded region for threadably receiving the shaft, whereby rotation of the shaft can move the urging arrangement therealong. The threaded region may define a threaded aperture.

The urging arrangement may comprise a shaft engaging portion for engaging the shaft. The shaft engaging portion may define a threaded aperture. The urging arrangement may further comprise an urging memberfor engaging the implementation device.

The support may define an opening through which the urging arrangement extends to engage the implementation device on the support.

The urging arrangement may include a connecting portion to connect the shaft engaging portion to the urging member. The connecting portion may extend through said opening in the support.

The support may comprise a retaining arrangement for retaining the implementation device. The retaining arrangement may comprise a plurality of support portions on which the implementation device can be mounted.

Each support portion may comprise an upstanding support rib. The support may further include a platform, which may define the opening through which the urging arrangement extends. The opening may be an elongate opening. The opening may be a slot.

The surgical device may include first and second parts, moveable relative to each other. The first part may receive the second part therethrough. The first and second parts may be slideably moveable relative to each other. In one embodiment, the surgical device may comprise a fluid feed device, such as a syringe. In another embodiment, the surgical device may comprise an endoscopic accessory device, for example a sphincterotome or basket.

The support may comprise a base member. The support may comprise at least one reaction formation. The reaction formation may be provided on the base member. The reaction formation may comprise upstanding projection, which may extend from the base member to engage the surgical device.

The reaction formation may engage the first part of the surgical device. The reaction formation may be fixed relative to the base member.

The retaining arrangement may comprise the reaction formation. The reaction formation may comprise a holding formation to hold the implementation device to the support. The holding formation may comprise a receiving arrangement defining a space for receiving a portion of the implementation device. Said portion of the implementation device may be a flange thereof.

The holding formation may comprise a substantially U shaped member defining the aforesaid space. The receiving arrangement may comprise first and second holding portions defining the space therebetween. The first and second holding portions may be configured to engage the aforesaid portion of the implementation device.

The urging arrangement may further include an urging member for engaging the implementation device. The implementation device may include a plunger and the urging member may engage the plunger.

The driver may comprise a motor which may be a stepper motor. The driver may be configured for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis.

The control arrangement may comprise an actuating arrangement for actuating the driver. The actuating arrangement may be manually operable simultaneously with use of the medical instrument. The actuating arrangement may comprise a manually operable switch or pedal, which can be actuated by the user.

The control arrangement may be configured to allow the user to increase or decrease the driving force by using the actuating arrangement.

The control arrangement may comprise suitable electronic control components as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

In the first embodiment, the implementation device may comprise a fluid feed device.

The fluid feed device may comprise a body, which may define a fluid chamber for holding a fluid. The fluid feed device may further include a plunger insertable into the fluid chamber to expel fluid therefrom. The body may be tubular.

The urging member may engage the plunger to urge the plunger into the fluid chamber. The fluid feed device may comprise a syringe.

The fluid feed device may further include a conduit through which the fluid can pass for feeding to the aforesaid internal region of the human or animal body. The conduit may comprise a tube, which may be a flexible tube. The tube may be formed of a suitable plastics material.

In a second embodiment, the implementation device may comprise a surgical device, wherein the surgical device is configured to carry out an operation in an internal region of a human or animal body, for example, a cutting operation.

The driver may be configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 250 kPa and 575 kPa. Desirably, the driver is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 300 kPa and 525 kPa. More desirably, the driver is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 300 kPa and 475 kPa. In one embodiment, the driver may be configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 350 kPa and 450 kPa

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a drive apparatus for use with a medical instrument, the drive apparatus comprising: a support for an implementation device comprising a surgical device, wherein the surgical device is configured for effecting an action in an internal region of a human or animal body; a driver for providing a driving force; a transmission arrangement for transmitting the driving force from the driver to the surgical device; and a control arrangement for controlling the driver, wherein the control arrangement is configured so that the user can control the driving force while using the medical instrument. The medical instrument may comprise an endoscope.

The control arrangement may be configured to allow the user to increase or decrease the driving force. The control arrangement may be configured so that the user can effect backwards and forwards movement of the surgical device while using the medical instrument. In addition, or alternatively, the control arrangement may be configured so that the user can effect bending and straightening movement of the surgical device while using the medical instrument.

The control arrangement may comprise a manual control member, such as a switch, a pedal or the like. In a second embodiment, the implementation device may comprise a surgical device, wherein the surgical device is configured to carry out an operation or an endoscopic procedure in an internal region of a human or animal body, for example, cutting.

In a second embodiment, the urging arrangement may be cooperable with the first part of the surgical device. The urging arrangement may comprise an urging member, which can cooperate with the first part to urge the first part along the second part of the surgical device.

The first part may include a cooperating element. The urging member may be configured to cooperate with the cooperating element to effect said urging of the first part.

The cooperating element may comprise a receiving element and the urging member may be received by the receiving element of the surgical device. The receiving element may comprise an annular element.

The urging arrangement may comprise a pair of first urging members, which may be configured to cooperate with the first part. Each of the first urging members may comprise a respective projection. Each projection may be substantially cylindrical

The first part may comprise a pair of first cooperating elements and the first urging members may be configured to cooperate with a respective one of the first cooperating elements to effect said urging of the first part.

The first and second cooperating elements may comprise a pair of first receiving elements. Each of the first urging members may be received by a respective one of the first receiving elements. The first receiving elements may comprise a pair of first annular elements.

In the second embodiment, the reaction formation may comprise a projection. The projection may be an upstanding projection. The projection may be substantially cylindrical.

The second part of the surgical device may include a second receiving element. The projection may be received by the second receiving element. The second receiving element may comprise a second annular element.

The second part may define a cavity to receive a moveable member. The second part may define an opening, which may be elongate, such as a slot, through which a portion of the first part may extend to engage the moveable member.

The surgical device may further include an elongate operating member, which may extend between a distal operating end portion and the aforesaid first part. The distal operating end portion may comprise, for example a cutting member, such as a cutting wire. An elongate sheath may extend from the main part to the distal operating end portion. The elongate operating member may extend through the elongate sheath.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a fluid feed apparatus in a first condition;

Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of the fluid feed apparatus in the first condition;

Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the fluid feed apparatus in a second condition;

Figure 4 is a combination of a medical instrument and the fluid feed apparatus;

Figure 5 is a top perspective view of an operating apparatus in a first condition;

Figure 6 is a lower perspective view of the operating apparatus in a second condition;

Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the operating apparatus in a second condition; and

Figure 8 is a combination of a medical instrument and the operating apparatus.

Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings show an implementation apparatus in the form of a fluid feed apparatus 10 for use in combination with a surgical instrument, such as an endoscope 100 (see Figure 4) to feed fluid to an internal region of a human or animal body.

The fluid feed apparatus 10 comprises a drive apparatus 12 and a fluid feed device 14, in the form of a syringe, on the drive apparatus 12. The drive apparatus 12 also includes a support 16 for supporting the fluid feed device 14.

The fluid feed device 14 comprises a tubular main part 18 defining a fluid chamber 20 having an open end 20A. The opposite end of the fluid chamber 20 is provided with a nozzle 20B, which defines an outlet opening 20C. The fluid is received in the fluid chamber 20.

The fluid feed device 14 also includes an outwardly extending flange portion 22 on the main part 18. The fluid feed device 14 can be retained on the support 16 by means of the outwardly extending flange portion 22.

The fluid feed device 14 also includes a plunger 24 which is received through the open end 20A of the main part 18 into the fluid chamber 20. A force applied to the plunger in the direction of the arrow A forces the plunger 24 into the fluid chamber 20 thereby expelling fluid therefrom via a conduit 26 as explained below.

The conduit 26 is in the form of a flexible tube of a plastics material and extends from the outlet opening 20C at the nozzle 20B.

The drive apparatus 12 comprises a support 16 having a mounting portion 28 on which the fluid feed device 14 is mounted. A retaining arrangement 30 is provided on the mounting portion 28 for retaining the fluid feed device 14.

The mounting portion 28 includes a plurality of upstanding support ribs 28A defining shallow recesses 29 in which the main part 18 of the fluid feed device 14 is received.

The retaining arrangement 30 comprises a reaction formation in the form of a substantially U shaped member 32. The U shaped member 32 defines a recess 32A through which the main part 18 can extend. A U shaped retaining slot 34 is defined in the U shaped member 32 to receive the flange 22, thereby retaining the fluid feed device 14 to the drive apparatus 12.

The support 16 further includes a platform 36 defining an elongate opening in the form of a slot 38, the purpose of which is described below.

The drive apparatus 12 further includes a driver in the form of a stepper motor 40 and a shaft 42 extending from, and driven by, the stepper motor 40. The shaft 42 has a longitudinal axis and the stepper motor 40 rotates the shaft 42 about its longitudinal axis.

The shaft 42 is threaded, and an urging arrangement 44 is threadably mounted on the shaft 42. The urging arrangement 44 includes a shaft engaging portion 46 defining a threaded aperture 48 to threadably engage the shaft 42.

The urging arrangement 44 further includes an urging member 50 to engage the plunger 24, thereby allowing the urging arrangement 44 to urge the plunger 24 in the direction indicated by the arrow A in Figure 1. A connecting portion 52 (see Figure 2) extends through the slot 38 between the shaft engaging portion 46 and the urging member 50.

Thus, when the stepper motor 40 rotates the shaft 42 in a first direction, the urging arrangement 44 is driven along the shaft 42 in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 1.

By causing the stepper motor 40 to drive the shaft 42 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the urging arrangement 44 can be driven in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow A.

In the embodiment described herein, the stepper motor 40 is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement 44 of between 300 kPa and 525 kPa.

A control arrangement 60 is provided to control the stepper motor 40. The control arrangement 60 includes a manually operable control element, for example a switch, dial or pedal to allow the user to control the stepper motor 40.

In Figure 1, the control element is represented diagrammatically by a switch 62. The control arrangement 60 also includes suitable electronic components 64 which are appropriately programmed in a manner which would be understood by those skilled in the art.

Figures 1 and 2 show the fluid feed apparatus 10 in a first condition, with plunger 24 extending from the fluid chamber 20. In this condition, the fluid chamber 20 is filled with a fluid, such as a dye for X-ray purposes. It will be appreciated that the fluid chamber 20 could contain any other suitable fluid.

When the stepper motor 40 is actuated to drive the urging arrangement 44 in the direction indicated by the arrow A, the urging arrangement 44 urges the plunger 24 from a first position shown in Figures 1 and 2 into the fluid chamber 20 until the urging arrangement 44 reaches a second position shown in Figure 3, in which the fluid has been expelled from the fluid chamber 20 via the conduit 26. When the urging arrangement 44 is in the second position, the fluid feed apparatus 10 is in a second condition.

Figure 4 shows a combination of a medical instrument, in the form of an endoscope 100, and the fluid feed apparatus 10. The fluid feed device 14 is connected to the endoscope 100 via the conduit 26. This allows the surgeon to feed the fluid directly into the region of the human or animal body being observed through the endoscope 100.

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In Figures 1 to 4, the fluid feed device 14 is shown connected via the conduit 26 to a surgical device 110, which is connected via a further conduit 112 to the endoscope 100. The surgical device 110 is a known surgical device, and would be familiar to those skilled in the art. The further conduit 112 extends through the endoscope to a distal end thereof so that the further conduit 112 extends to the aforesaid region of the human or animal body. Thus, fluid can be fed from the fluid feed device 14 to the surgical device 110 via the conduit 26, and then into the human or animal body via the further conduit 112 and the endoscope 100.

The surgical device 110 is known in the art and comprises a main part 114 and a moveable part 116 slideably mounted on the main part 114. The surgical device 110 may control a distal operating end portion, such as a cutting member (not shown in Figures 1 to 4, but see Figure 8), via an elongate operating member 120 (see Figure 15 8) extending within the further conduit 112.

The elongate operating member extends into the aforesaid region of the human or animal body via the endoscope 100 to allow the user to perform surgical procedures.

The moveable part 116 is connected to the distal operating end portion via a slot (not shown in Figures 1 to 4) in the main part 114. Movement of the moveable part 116 along the main part 114 moves the cutting member, thereby allowing the user to carry out the surgical procedure.

In use, the fluid feed device 14 is mounted on the ribs 28A with the flange 22 received in the retaining slot 34. The urging member 50 is disposed in engagement with the end of the plunger 24.

When the stepper motor 40 is actuated to rotate the shaft 42, the threaded interaction between the shaft 42 and the urging arrangement 44 moves the urging arrangement 44 along the shaft 42 in the direction of the arrow A, thereby driving the plunger 24 into the fluid chamber 20.

The fluid is fed via the conduit 26 and the endoscope 100 to the aforesaid region of the human or animal body. Where the surgical device 110 is present, the fluid is fed via the surgical device 110 and the further conduit 112 through the endoscope 100 to the aforesaid region of the human or animal body.

Referring to Figures 5 to 8 of the drawings, an implementation apparatus, in the form of an operating apparatus 210, is shown. The operating apparatus 210 is intended to be used with a surgical instrument, such as an endoscope 100 (see Figure 8). The operating apparatus 210 comprises a drive apparatus 102 and an implementation device in the form of the surgical device 110.

As described above, the surgical device 110 comprises the main part 114 and the moveable part 116 slideably moveable along the main part 114. The moveable part 116 includes a tubular portion 118 which receives the main part 114 therethrough.

The further conduit 112 houses an elongate operating member 120 (see Figure 8) having a distal operating end portion 122 which, in the embodiment shown, is a cutting member in the form of a cutting wire for carrying out a cutting operation in the aforesaid region of the human or animal body. However, it will be appreciated that the elongate operating member 120 could be any other suitable operating means.

The further conduit 112 is attached to the main part 114, and is in the form of a sheath for the elongate operating member 120. The elongate operating member 120 extends through the further conduit 112 from the distal operating end portion 122 and is connected to the moveable part 116.

The main part defines a pair of opposite slots 123, one of which is shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7. The moveable part 116 has a connecting portion (not shown) which extends through the main part via the slots 123 and is attached to the elongate operating member 120, thereby connecting the moveable part 116 to the elongate operating member 120.

Thus, movement of the moveable part 116 relative to the main part 114 causes movement of the elongate operating member 120 relative to the further conduit 112.

The moveable part 116 includes a pair of cooperating elements in the form of a pair of first annular receiving elements 124 attached to the tubular portion 118 opposite each other. The purpose of first annular receiving elements 124 is described below.

The main part 114 includes a second annular receiving element 126. The purpose of the second annular receiving element 126 is also described below.

The drive apparatus 102 comprises a support 128 in the form of a platform 129. An aperture in the form of an elongate slot 130 is defined through the platform 129. The surgical device 110 is mounted on the platform 129 in the manner described below.

The drive apparatus 102 includes a driver in the form of a stepper motor 132 mounted beneath the platform 129. An elongate threaded shaft 134 extends from, and is driven by, the stepper motor 132.

The elongate shaft 134 has a longitudinal axis and is rotated by the stepper motor 132 about its longitudinal axis. An urging arrangement 136 is threadably mounted on the shaft 134 and extends upwardly therefrom through the slot 130 in the platform 129.

The urging arrangement 136 comprises a shaft engaging portion 138 through which the shaft 134 extends. The shaft engaging portion 138 defines a threaded aperture 140 to allow the shaft engaging portion 138 to threadably engage the shaft 134.

The urging arrangement 136 further includes an urging member 142 for engaging the moveable part 116 of the surgical device 110. A connecting portion 144 connects the shaft to the engaging portion 138 to the urging member 142 and extends through the slot 130.

The urging member 142 comprises a pair of first upwardly extending cylindrical projections 146, each of which is received in a respective one of the first annular receiving elements 124. Thus, movement of the urging arrangement 136 along the shaft 130 applies an urging force to cause movement of the moveable part 116 along the main part 140.

The support 128 further includes a reaction formation in the form of a second upwardly extending cylindrical projection 148. The second projection 148 can be received within the second annular receiving element 126 of the main part 114 of the surgical device 118. The second projection 148 provides a reaction force to the urging force applied by the urging arrangement 13. Thus, the main part 114 is held fixed relative to the platform 129 by the second projection 148 when the moveable part 116 is moved along the main part 114 by the urging arrangement 136.

The surgical device 110 further includes a control arrangement 150 for controlling the stepper motor 132. The control arrangement 150 comprises suitable electronic components 152 appropriately programmed. A manual actuation arrangement 154 is provided on the endoscope 100 to actuate the stepper motor 132.

In the embodiment shown, the actuation arrangement 154 comprises first and second buttons 154A, 154B to actuate the stepper motor 132; the first button 154A actuating the stepper motor 132 to rotate the shaft 134 in a first direction, and the second button 154B actuating the stepper motor 132 to rotate the shaft 134 in a second opposite direction. In Figure 8, the first and second buttons 154A, 154B are shown on a side face of the endoscope 100. If desired, the first and second buttons 154A, 154B could be provided on front or rear faces of the endoscope 100.

Cabling 156 connects the actuation arrangement 154 to the control arrangement. It will be appreciated that, if desired, the connection between the actuation arrangement 154 and the control arrangement 150 could be a wireless connection.

In other embodiments, the actuating arrangement may or may not be mounted on the endoscope 100 and may comprise a switch, a dial, a pedal or the like.

In use, the user can view the distal operating end portion 122 through an eyepiece 160 of the endoscope 100, and can effect operation of the distal operating end portion 122 by actuating the actuation arrangement 154.

The actuation of the actuation arrangement 154 causes the stepper motor 132 to rotate the shaft 134 in first and second opposite directions, as desired, thereby driving the urging arrangement 136 and the moveable part 116 of the surgical device 110 forwards and backwards along the main part 114. This can cause bending and straightening movement of the further conduit 112 and the operating member 120. In this way, the user can control movement of the operating end portion 122, and thereby effect the desired action within the internal region of the human or animal body being treated.

In a further modification, the fluid feed apparatus 10 and the operating apparatus 210 can be mounted together to provide a combined implementation device in which the fluid feed device and the surgical device can be actuated by a single user.

There is thus described an operators assembly of feeding or controlling a surgical device, thereby allowing the user of an endoscope for control over the treatment within the human or animal body.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the distal operating end portion 122 can include any suitable operating means capable of performing an action within the internal region of the human or animal body.

In a further modification, the moveable part 116 may be fixedly mounted on the support 128 and the urging arrangement 136 may be received by the second annular receiving element 126. In this modification, the pair of first upwardly extending projections 146 are fixedly attached to the platform 129.

Claims

1. A drive apparatus comprising: a support for an implementation device to implement a process in an internal region of a human or animal body; a driver for providing a driving force to the implementation device; a transmission arrangement for transmitting the driving force from the driver to the implementation device to effect said process; and a control arrangement for controlling the driver, the control arrangement being configured so that the user can control the driving force.

2. A drive apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission arrangement comprises a threaded shaft having a longitudinal axis, the shaft being rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

3. A drive apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transmission arrangement furthers includes an urging arrangement on the shaft for engaging the implementation device and urging at least a part of the implementation device to implement said process.

4. A drive apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the urging arrangement defines a threaded aperture for threadably receiving the shaft, whereby rotation of the shaft moves the urging arrangement therealong.

5. A drive apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the urging arrangement comprises a shaft engaging portion for engaging the shaft, the shaft engaging portion defining the threaded aperture, and the urging arrangement further including a urging member for engaging the implementation device.

6. A drive apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the support defines an opening through which the urging arrangement extends to engage the implementation device on the support.

7. A drive apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the urging arrangement includes a connecting portion to connect the shaft engaging portion to the urging member, the connecting portion extending through said opening in the support.

8. A drive apparatus according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the implementation device includes a plunger and the urging member can engage the plunger.

9. A drive apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the support comprises a retaining arrangement for retaining the implementation device,

10. A drive apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises a plurality of support portions on which the implementation device can be mounted.

11. A drive apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the support comprises a reaction formation to apply a reaction force to the implementation device.

12. A drive apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the reaction formation comprises upstanding projection to engage the surgical device.

13. A drive apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises the reaction formation, and wherein the reaction formation comprises a holding formation to hold the implementation device to the support.

14. A drive apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the holding formation comprises a receiving arrangement defining a space for receiving a portion of the implementation device.

15. A drive apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the holding formation comprises a substantially U shaped member defining the aforesaid space, the receiving arrangement comprising first and second holding portions defining the space therebetween, and wherein the first and second holding portions are configured to engage the aforesaid portion of the implementation device.

16. A drive apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 15, wherein the driver comprises a stepper motor configured for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis.

17. A drive apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the control arrangement comprises a manual control member for actuating the driver.

18. A drive apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the manual control member comprises a manually operable switch or pedal.

19. A drive apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the driver is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 250 kPa and 575 kPa.

20. A drive apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the driver is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 300 kPa and 525 kPa.

21. A drive apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the driver is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 300 kPa and 475 kPa.

22. A drive apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the driver is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 350 kPa and 450 kPa.

23. A drive apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the implementation device comprises a surgical device configured for effecting an action in an internal region of a human or animal body, the control arrangement being configured so that the user can effect backwards and forwards movement of the surgical device while using a medical instrument.

24. A drive apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the implementation device comprises a surgical device configured for effecting an action in an internal region of a human or animal body, the control arrangement being configured so that the user can effect bending and straightening movement of the surgical device while using the medical instrument.

25. A drive apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the urging arrangement comprises a pair of first urging members, each urging member being configured to cooperate with a respective region of the implementation device.

26. A drive apparatus according to claim 25, the implementation device including first and second parts moveable relative to each other, the first part comprising a pair of first cooperating elements, wherein each urging member is configured to cooperate with a respective one of the first cooperating elements.

27. A drive apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, wherein each of the first urging members comprises a respective projection.

28. An implementation apparatus for use with a medical instrument, the implementation apparatus comprising: an implementation device for implementing a process in an internal region of a human or animal body; a support for the implementation device; a driver for providing a driving force; a transmission arrangement for transmitting the driving force from the driver to the implementation device to effect said process; and a control arrangement for controlling the driver, the control arrangement being configured so that the user can control the driving force while using the medical instrument.

29. An implementation apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the transmission arrangement comprises a threaded shaft having a longitudinal axis, the shaft being rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

30. An implementation apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the transmission arrangement furthers includes an urging arrangement on the shaft for engaging the implementation device and urging at least a part of the implementation device to implement said process.

31. An implementation apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the urging arrangement defines a threaded aperture for threadably receiving the shaft, whereby rotation of the shaft moves the urging arrangement therealong.

32. An implementation apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the urging arrangement comprises a shaft engaging portion for engaging the shaft, the shaft engaging portion defining the threaded aperture, and the urging arrangement further including an urging member for engaging the implementation device.

33. An implementation apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the support defines an opening through which the urging arrangement extends to engage the implementation device on the support.

34. An implementation apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the urging arrangement includes a connecting portion to connect the shaft engaging portion to the urging member, the connecting portion extending through said opening in the support.

35. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 30 to 34, wherein the support comprises a reaction formation to apply a reaction force to the implementation device.

36. An implementation apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the reaction formation comprises upstanding projection to engage the implementation device.

37. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 or 36, wherein the implementation device includes first and second parts slideably moveable relative to each other.

38. An implementation apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the first part receives the second part therethrough.

39. An implementation apparatus according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the implementation device comprises a fluid feed device for feeding fluid to the internal region of the human or animal body.

40. An implementation apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the fluid feed device comprises a body defining a fluid chamber for holding a fluid, and the fluid feed device further includes a plunger insertable into the fluid chamber to expel fluid therefrom.

41. An implementation apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the urging member engages the plunger to urge the plunger into the fluid chamber.

42. An implementation apparatus according to claim 39, 40 or 41, wherein the fluid feed device further includes a conduit through which the fluid can pass for feeding to the aforesaid internal region of the human or animal body.

43. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 37 to 42, wherein the implementation device comprises surgical device configured to carry out an operation in an internal region of a human or animal body.

44. An implementation apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the surgical device is configured to carry out a cutting operation in an internal region of a human or animal body.

45. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 37 to 44, wherein the reaction formation engages the first part of the implementation device.

46. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 45, wherein the support comprises a retaining arrangement for retaining the implementation device.

47. An implementation apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises a plurality of support portions on which the implementation device can be mounted.

48. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 47, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises the reaction formation, the reaction formation comprising a holding formation to hold the implementation device to the support.

49. An implementation apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the holding formation comprises a receiving arrangement defining a space for receiving a portion of the implementation device.

50. An implementation apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said portion of the implementation device may be a flange thereof.

51. An implementation apparatus according to claim 48, 49 or 50, wherein the holding formation comprises a substantially U shaped member comprising first and second holding portions defining the space therebetween, the first and second holding portions being configured to engage the aforesaid portion of the implementation device.

52. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 51, wherein the driver comprises a stepper motor for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis.

53. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 52, wherein the control arrangement comprises an actuating arrangement for actuating the driver.

54. An implementation apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the actuating arrangement is manually operable simultaneously with use of the medical instrument.

55. An implementation apparatus according to claim 53 or 54, wherein the actuating arrangement comprises a manually operable switch or pedal.

56. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 55, wherein the driver is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 250 kPa and 575 kPa.

57. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 56, wherein the driver is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 300 kPa and 525 kPa.

58. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 57, wherein the driver is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 300 kPa and 475 kPa.

59. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 58, wherein the driver is configured to apply a pressure to the urging arrangement of between 350 kPa and 450 kPa.

60. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 59, wherein the implementation device comprises a surgical device configured for effecting an action in an internal region of a human or animal body, the control arrangement being configured so that the user can effect backwards and forwards movement of the surgical device while using a medical instrument.

61. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 59, wherein the implementation device comprises a surgical device configured for effecting an action in an internal region of a human or animal body, the control arrangement being configured so that the user can effect bending and straightening movement of the surgical device while using the medical instrument.

62. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 35 to 61, wherein the urging arrangement comprises a pair of first urging members, each urging member being configured to cooperate with a respective region of the implementation device.

63. An implementation apparatus according to claim 62, the implementation device including first and second parts moveable relative to each other, the first part comprising a pair of first cooperating elements, wherein each urging member is configured to cooperate with a respective one of the first cooperating elements.

64. An implementation apparatus according to claim 63, wherein each of the first urging members comprises a respective projection.

65. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 63 or 64, wherein the urging arrangement is cooperable with the first part of the surgical device.

66. An implementation apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the first part includes a cooperating element, and the urging member is configured to cooperate with the cooperating element to effect said urging of the first part.

67. An implementation apparatus according to claim 66, wherein the cooperating element comprises a receiving element and the urging member is received by the receiving element of the surgical device.

68. An implementation apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the receiving element comprises an annular element.

69. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 63 to 68, wherein the first urging members cooperate with the first part to urge the first part, and wherein each of the first urging members may comprise a respective projection.

70. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 63 to 69, wherein the first part comprises a pair of first cooperating elements and each first urging member is configured to cooperate with a respective one of the first cooperating elements to effect said urging of the first part.

71. An implementation apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the first and second cooperating elements comprise a pair of first receiving elements, each of the first urging members being received by a respective one of the first receiving elements.

72. An implementation apparatus according to claim 71, wherein the first receiving elements comprises a pair of first annular elements.

73. An implementation apparatus according to claim 70, 71 or 72, wherein the second part of the surgical device includes a second receiving element, the reaction formation being received by the second receiving element.

74. An implementation apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the second receiving element may comprise a second annular element.

75. An implementation apparatus according to claim 73 or 74, wherein the second part defines a cavity to receive a moveable member, the second part defining an opening through which a portion of the first part extends to engage the moveable member.

76. An implementation apparatus according to any of claims 63 to 75, wherein the surgical device further includes an elongate operating member extending between a distal operating end portion and the aforesaid first part.

77. An implementation apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the distal operating end portion comprises a cutting member, and wherein an elongate sheath extends from the main part to the distal operating end portion, the elongate operating member extending through the elongate sheath.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1801452.2 Examiner: Paul Jenkins