부산대학교 도서관

An endoscopic instrument includes a small diameter hollow tube, an axially displaceable wire extending through the tube, a manual actuator coupled to the proximal ends of the tube and wire for axially displacing the wire relative to the tube, a first end effector mechanically coupled to the distal end of the tube and having a proximal portion which is provided with a curved guiding channel which receives and guides a distal portion of the wire, and a second end effector mechanically coupled to the distal end of the displaceable wire and rotatably coupled to the first end effector. When arranged as a bipolar instrument, the tube and pull wire are conductive, the pull wire is covered with an electrically insulating sheath except at its very distal end, the first end effector is conductive and partially insulated and is electrically coupled to distal end of tube, and the second end effector is conductive and partially insulated and electrically coupled to the distal end of the pull wire. Both end effectors are preferably cast alloy partially coated with PTFE, and are rotatably coupled to each other with the aid of an insulating ceramic bushing-washer. According to one embodiment, the first end effector is provided with an integral axle pin. The provided endoscopic instrument, when the tube is 1.7 mm in diameter, is particularly useful in endoscopic neurological procedures.