Flexible endoscope with force limiting spring coupler
US5415158A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 16, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/0056
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flexible endoscope have a force limiting coupler. The endoscope comprises an elongated tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and a wall defining a lumen extending there through. A handle member is fixed to the proximal end of the tubular member. The handle member has a slidable knob member which is coupled to a force limiting means to limit the travel of the knob member. A deflection wire is coupled at one end to the force limiting means and a second end to the distal end of the tubular member. The force limiting means has a predetermined spring constant. The distal end of the endoscope can be deflected in finer increments and acts to preclude potentially damaging forces to be applied to the endoscope or to tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.