Connector device for a controllable instrument

US12076102B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Christopher Julian · Los Gatos, US
• Amir Belson · Savyon, IL
• Aaron Brown · Vancouver, US
• Mark Harasym · San Jose, US
• Marc S. Kreidler · Sunnyvale, US
• Robert Matthew Ohline · Redwood City, US
• Scott J. Reiner · San Jose, US
• Enrique Romo · Danville, US
• Charles E. Swinehart · San Jose, US
• Katherine Whitin · Redwood City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 14, 2020
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2024
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/00477
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A medical instrument may comprise a first articulatable segment having a first diameter, and a second articulatable segment having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the second articulatable segment is coupled to the first articulatable segment and extends in a distal direction past the first articulatable segment. The instrument may also comprise a first force transmission element coupled to the first articulatable segment and extending in a proximal direction from the first articulatable segment to a first connector portion, the first connector portion being configured to be releasably coupled with a first actuator, and a second force transmission element coupled to the second articulatable segment and extending in a proximal direction from the second articulatable segment to a second connector portion, the second connector portion being configured to be releasably coupled with a second actuator. The first and second force transmission elements may be configured to transmit actuation forces, respectively, to articulate the first and second articulatable segments independently of one another.