Surgical instrument with a lateral-moving articulation control
US6981628B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/320052
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An articulating surgical instrument suited for endoscopic use includes a lateral articulation control into a handle portion that provides an intuitive visual and tactile indication to the clinician as to the amount and direction of articulation of an end effector at a distal end of a shaft. Lateral movement of a lateral control actuator is converted into a longitudinal motion or a rotational motion transferred by the shaft to an articulation mechanism. A version of a lateral articulation control for a rotationally driven articulation mechanism incorporates an articulation backdrive lockout that prevents forces on the end effector from causing the selected amount of articulation from being changed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.