Instrument with multiple articulation locks
US11234694B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2017 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/508
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method comprises providing an articulation tool including an articulation mechanism comprising a proximal link and a distal link, end effector, elongated shaft, rotating member, and an articulation lock comprising a first lock configured to prevent pivoting of the elongated shaft about a yaw axis, a second lock configured to prevent pivoting about a pitch axis, and an actuator to actuate both locks simultaneously. The method further comprises driving movement of the proximal link which causes corresponding movement of the distal link, adjusting the actuator between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration in which the links and end effector are held in a fixed orientation with respect to the elongated shaft, and driving rotation of the rotating member which causes rotation of the elongated shaft while the links and end effector are held in the fixed orientation and rotation of the end effector about the end effector longitudinal axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.