Medical instruments for performing minimally-invasive procedures
US10617438B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2932
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a tool comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion extending distally from the proximal end of the shaft, and an articulating portion extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a flexible spine; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend through the shaft from the handle to the flexible spine, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the flexible spine bends; wherein a rotatable element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the rotatable element is rotated, the end effector rotates; and wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the actuation element is moved, the end effector is actuated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.