Flexible instrument
US8114097B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/2466
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A robotic medical system comprises a catheter having an elongated shaft with a plurality of flexible segments spaced apart along the catheter, and a drive unit coupled to the catheter. The catheter may have a plurality of cables respectively terminating at the flexible segments, in which case, the drive unit will be coupled to the plurality of cables. The robotic medical system further comprises a user interface remote from the drive unit and configured for generating at least one command, and an electric controller configured, in response to the command(s), for directing the drive unit to independently bend the flexible segments (e.g., three flexible segments).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.