Intraluminal manipulator with a head having articulating links
US5346504A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2034/715
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is directed towards an intraluminal manipulator which extends into a lumen and is operable to position and manipulate the tissue surrounding the lumen as necessary during a medical procedure. The manipulator includes a head, a handle and an interconnecting shaft. A pair of cables extend through the shaft and interconnect the head and handle. Movement of a trigger provided by the handle moves the head, which is formed by a series of articulated links, between generally straight and arched configurations. Movement of the trigger in one direction moves the head from a straightened to an arched configuration, while movement in an opposite direction moves the head from the arched to the straightened configuration. When placed in the straight configuration, the head is insertable into and removable from the lumen. When the head is in the arched configuration, it engages the walls surrounding and defining the lumen and can thereafter be used to manipulate the tissue. A fiber optic bundle is provided to allow remote visualization of the lumen, and an expandable balloon is used to provide a better frictional engagement between the head and the tissue defining the lumen…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.