Surgical instrument having an articulating end effector
US7670334B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/320052
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An articulating surgical instrument is shown, which comprises a shaft and an end effector. The shaft has a longitudinal axis, and the end effector is operationally coupled, preferably mechanically coupled, to the shaft at an articulation pivot. The instrument also comprises a first band, and in some embodiments, a second band, each operationally connected to the end effector and extending through at least a portion of the shaft. An articulation control applies a force in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the force, when applied in one direction, is translated through the first band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a first rotational direction, and when the force is applied in the opposite direction, is translated through the second band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a second rotational direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.