Flexible instrument with optical sensors
US7194296B2 · kind B2 · utility
47Cited by
20References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2034/2051
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flexible instrument includes a flexible member having a proximal portion, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. At least one optical sensor positioned proximate the proximal portion of the flexible member provides a proximal end position signal indicative of the position of the proximal portion of the flexible member. At least one flexible member sensor positioned proximate one of the other portions of the flexible member provides a second position signal indicative of the position of the other portion of the flexible member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.