Surgical instrument
US6645218B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/320032
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical instrument (10) includes a handle (12) and a member (30) for acting on tissue of a patient. A flexible stem (20) extends between the member (30) and the handle (12). The flexible stem (20) includes a tubular member (60) having a longitudinal axis (70) and radially inner and outer cylindrical surfaces (62 and 64) extending generally parallel to each other. The tubular member (60) has wedge-shaped slots (80 and 90) extending through the inner and outer cylindrical surfaces (62 and 64). Each of the wedge-shaped slots (80 and 90) is defined by first and second ring portions (92 and 94) extending at an angle to each other and transverse to the longitudinal axis (70). An actuator mechanism (14) connected with the handle (12) bends the flexible stem (20).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.