Flexible articulate surgical tool
US11730505B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0034
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flexible elongate shaft assembly which includes an elongate flexible tube having at least one joint built into the elongate flexible tube, and the at least one joint comprised of at least one notch. Each notch includes a contact-aided compliant notch topology built into the elongate flexible shaft configured to cause each notch to mechanically interfere with itself and self-reinforce during bending of each notch resulting in an increase in stiffness of each notch to prevent buckling and plastic deformation of the elongate flexible shaft assembly, and assume a predetermined and designed bending shape of the elongate flexible shaft assembly. The flexible elongate shaft assembly is incorporated into a flexible articulate surgical tool that provides the needed stiffness in order to be able to manipulate tissue and bear loads in anatomically confined spaces. The surgical tool includes a clinician operated handle, the flexible elongated shaft assembly extending from the handle to a surgical tool with the flexible elongate tube having one or more joint sections located near the surgical tool. A flexible cable connects the handle to the surgical tool. The joint sections are configured so…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.