Slip-fit handle for hand-held instruments that access interior body regions

Claim 2

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle being adapted, in use, to receive a striking force, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 3

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a tapered fitting, and at least one of the first and second components comprising a socket configured to engage the fitting.

Claim 4

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a tapered fitting, and at least one of the first and second components comprising a socket configured to engage the fitting.

Claim 5

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a fitting, and at least one of the first and second components comprising a tapered socket configured to engage the fitting.

Claim 6

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a fitting, and at least one of the first and second components comprising a tapered socket configured to engage the fitting.

Claim 7

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a socket, and at least one of the first and second components comprising a tapered fitting configured to engage the socket, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 8

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a socket, and at least one of the first and second components comprising a tapered fitting configured to engage the socket, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 9

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a tapered socket, and at least one of the first and second components comprises a fitting configured to engage the socket, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 10

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a tapered socket, and at least one of the first and second components comprises a fitting configured to engage the socket, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 11

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle, the handle including a passageway extending into at least one of the first and second components and accommodating passage of one of the first or second instruments through the other one of the instruments while the other one of the instruments is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 12

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle, the handle including a passageway extending into at least one of the first and second components and accommodating passage of one of the first or second instruments through the other one of the instruments while the other one of the instruments is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 13

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a generally T-shaped handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 14

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a generally T-shaped handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 15

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a generally elliptically-shaped handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 16

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a generally elliptically-shaped handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 17

A surgical system comprising a functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a cannula instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the functional instrument and the cannula instrument when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the cannula and the second handle attachment site having a cannula lumen extending therethrough, the second component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the cannula lumen when the cannula is removably engaged by the handle, the cannula instrument including an interior bore, the functional instrument being sized for passage through the interior bore, and the handles including a passageway extending into the second component for passing the functional instrument through the handle and interior bore of the cannula instrument while the cannula instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 18

A surgical system comprising a functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a cannula instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the functional instrument and the cannula instrument when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the cannula and the second handle attachment site having a cannula lumen extending therethrough, the second component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the cannula lumen when the cannula is removably engaged by the handle, the cannula instrument including an interior bore, the functional instrument being sized for passage through the interior bore, and the handles including a passageway extending into the second component for passing the functional instrument through the handle and interior bore of the cannula instrument while the cannula instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 19

A surgical system comprising a functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, the functional instrument including an interior bore sized to receive a guide wire, a cannula instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the functional instrument and the cannula instrument when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the cannula and the second handle attachment site having a cannula lumen extending therethrough, the second component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the cannula lumen when the cannula is removably engaged by the handle, the handle including a passageway extending into the first component for passing a guide wire through the handle and interior bore of the functional instrument while the functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 20

A surgical system comprising a functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, the functional instrument including an interior bore sized to receive a guide wire, a cannula instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the functional instrument and the cannula instrument when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the cannula and the second handle attachment site having a cannula lumen extending therethrough, the second component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the cannula lumen when the cannula is removably engaged by the handle, the handle including a passageway extending into the first component for passing a guide wire through the handle and interior bore of the functional instrument while the functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 21

A surgical system comprising a functional instrument comprising a drill bit and including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a cannula instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the functional instrument and the cannula instrument when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the cannula and the second handle attachment site having a cannula lumen extending therethrough, the second component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the cannula lumen when the cannula is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 22

A surgical system comprising a functional instrument comprising a drill bit and including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a cannula instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the functional instrument and the cannula instrument when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the cannula and the second handle attachment site having a cannula lumen extending therethrough, the second component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the cannula lumen when the cannula is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 23

A surgical system for accessing bone comprising a drill bit instrument for penetrating bone in response to rotation, the drill bit instrument including a first handle attachment site, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site, and a handle configured to be hand-held by a user and including a first component configured for releasable engagement with the first handle attachment site to impart rotation to the drill bit instrument in response to rotation of the handle while hand-held by the user, the handle including a second component configured for releasable engagement with the second handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the drill bit instrument and the first handle attachment site having a drill bit lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the drill bit lumen when the drill bit instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 24

A surgical system for accessing bone comprising a drill bit instrument for penetrating bone in response to rotation, the drill bit instrument including a first handle attachment site, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site, and a handle configured to be hand-held by a user and including a first component configured for releasable engagement with the first handle attachment site to impart rotation to the drill bit instrument in response to rotation of the handle while hand-held by the user, the handle including a second component configured for releasable engagement with the second handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the drill bit instrument and the first handle attachment site having a drill bit lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the drill bit lumen when the drill bit instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 25

A system according to claim 12 wherein the second functional instrument includes a cannula instrument having an interior bore to accommodate passage of the drill bit instrument.

Claim 26

A system according to claim 13 wherein the handle includes a passageway extending into the second component for passing the drill bit instrument through the handle and interior bore of the cannula instrument while the cannula instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 27

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a tapered fitting, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, at least one of the first and second components comprises a socket configured to engage the tapered fitting, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 28

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a tapered fitting, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, at least one of the first and second components comprises a socket configured to engage the tapered fitting, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 29

A system according to claim 15 wherein the socket engages the fitting in a releasable slip-fit.

Claim 30

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a fitting, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, at least one of the first and second components comprises a tapered socket configured to engage the fitting, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 31

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a fitting, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, at least one of the first and second components comprises a tapered socket configured to engage the fitting, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 32

A system according to claim 17 wherein the socket engages the fitting in a releasable slip-fit.

Claim 33

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a tapered socket, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, at least one of the first and second components comprises a fitting configured to engage the tapered socket, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 34

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a tapered socket, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, at least one of the first and second components comprises a fitting configured to engage the tapered socket, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 35

A system according to claim 19 wherein the socket engages the fitting in a releasable slip-fit.

Claim 36

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a socket, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, at least one of the first and second components comprises a tapered fitting configured to engage the socket, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 37

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, at least one of the first and second handle attachment sites comprising a socket, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, at least one of the first and second components comprises a tapered fitting configured to engage the socket, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 38

A surgical kit comprising a surgical system as defined in claim 12 or 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 , and an overwrap defining a sealed enclosure holding the surgical system until use.

Claim 39

A kit according to claim 22 and further including a tray enclosed in the overwrap holding the surgical system prior to use.

Claim 40

A kit according to claim 22 and further including directions for using the surgical system enclosed in the overwrap.

Claim 41

A kit according to claim 22 wherein the tray holds the surgical system in a prearranged layout to facilitate use.

Claim 42

A kit according to claim 22 wherein the overwrap defines a sealed sterile enclosure.

Claim 43

A kit according to claim 26 wherein the overwrap includes a material permeable to ETO sterilization gas.

Claim 44

A system according to claim 21 wherein the socket engages the fitting in a releasable slip-fit.

Claim 45

A system according to claim 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 wherein the handle is adapted, in use, to transmit longitudinal force to the instrument removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 46

A system according to claim 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 wherein the handle is adapted, in use, to transmit rotational force to the instrument removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 47

A system according to claim 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 wherein the handle is adapted, in use, to transmit both longitudinal and rotational forces to the instrument removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 48

A system according to claim 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 wherein the handle is adapted, in use, to receive a striking force.

Claim 49

A system according to claim 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 wherein the second geometry differs from the first geometry at least in size.

Claim 50

A system according to claim 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 wherein the first handle lumen accommodates passage of a guide pin component through the handle and the first lumen while the first instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 51

A system according to claim 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 wherein the first handle lumen accommodates passage of the second instrument through the handle and the first lumen while the first instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 52

A system according to claim 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 wherein the handle is generally T-shaped.

Claim 53

A system according to claim 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 wherein the handle is generally round.

Claim 54

A system according to claim 15 or 17 or 19 or 21 wherein the handle is generally elliptical in shape.

Claim 55

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle, the second functional instrument and the second handle attachment site having a second lumen extending therethrough, the second component of the handle including a second handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the second lumen when the second functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

Claim 56

A surgical system comprising a first functional instrument including a first handle attachment site having a first geometry, a second functional instrument including a second handle attachment site having a second geometry different than the first geometry, and a handle for manipulating the first and second functional instruments when in use, the handle including a first component configured to removably engage the first handle attachment site but not the second handle attachment site, and a second component configured to removably engage the second handle attachment site but not the first handle attachment site, the second component not being coaxial with the first component, the first functional instrument and the first handle attachment site having a first lumen extending therethrough, the first component of the handle including a first handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the first lumen when the first functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle, the second functional instrument and the second handle attachment site having a second lumen extending therethrough, the second component of the handle including a second handle lumen extending through the handle which communicates with the second lumen when the second functional instrument is removably engaged by the handle.