Sponge-based variable-stiffness support structure for natural orifice surgical instrument and method for using the same
US12016537B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/3452
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sponge-based variable-stiffness support structure for natural orifice surgical instrument is to support the surgical instrument and includes: a variable-stiffness sponge pipeline connected with the natural orifice surgical instrument and configured to support the natural orifice surgical instrument in a natural orifice; a hydrophobic breathable film attached to an outer wall of the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline, and configured to isolate the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline from body fluid in the natural orifice; and a gas delivery assembly connected with the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline, and configured to inject high-pressure air or water vapor into a variable-stiffness sponge pipe of the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline; wherein the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline has a stiffness inversely proportional to content of the water vapor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.