Flexible shaft stabilizing devices with improved actuation
US7497823B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B90/50
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A stabilizing device having a flexible shaft with a terminal connector and surgical tools used therewith. The flexible shaft is responsive to a tension element connected to a distal end of the shaft and in communication with a proximal end of the shaft. An elastic means interfacing between the proximal end of the tension element and an actuating cam cause the shaft to adapt for differences in activating tension between straight and curved positions. Accordingly, stretching and deformation of the tensioning element is reduced and shaft stiffness upon activation of the tensioning element is repeatable. The terminal connector includes a ball-and-socket arrangement adapted to resiliently absorb movement of an organ during surgery. A bendable suction stabilizer foot adaptable to contours of an organ is also provided as an attachment to the stabilizer device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.