Flexible neck for surgical instruments
US10172670B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1455
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and devices for allowing articulation of an end effector on a surgical instrument are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical device can include a flexible neck portion having an end effector coupled to a distal end thereof. The flexible neck portion is configured to bend to as to allow the end effector to articulate. The flexible neck portion can include a monolithic flexible outer shell defining an inner lumen extending therethrough. At least one flexible divider can be disposed within the inner lumen such that it separates the outer shell into elongate pathways configured to receive articulation members extending through the shaft assembly and the flexible neck and coupled to the end effector to cause articulating movement thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.