Instrument stabilizer for through-the-port surgery
US6500170B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/3492
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An instrument stabilizer minimizes unwanted motion at the distal end of a surgical instrument by applying a damping force to the instrument. According to one embodiment, the instrument stabilizer preferably includes a cannula through which an instrument can extend, and a distal bushing adapted to contact the instrument. The instrument stabilizer also includes a proximal housing which includes a mechanism which applies a stabilizing or damping force to the proximal portion of the cannula. The mechanism which applies the force may be, by way of example, one or more of elastic bands, springs, struts, etc. When a surgical instrument is extended through the cannula and contacts the bushing, movement of the cannula and consequently the surgical instrument is damped by the stabilization force on the proximal portion of the cannula. In addition, a swivel device for angularly orienting the instrument stabilizer relative to a body of patient is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.