Apparatus and methods for hybrid endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced.

1 . A surgical tool system, comprising:
 a cannula having an internal lumen with a first diameter;   a surgical tool shaft having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter;   a surgical tool tip having a third diameter that is larger than the first diameter, the surgical tool tip including an end effector;   means for connecting the surgical tool tip to the surgical tool shaft; and   means for transferring control actuation through the surgical tool shaft to the end effector of the surgical tool tip.   
     
     
         2 .- 67 . (canceled)