Devices, systems and methods for minimally invasive surgery of the throat and other portions of mammalian body
US8365633B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20323
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Featured are systems, devices and apparatuses for use in minimally invasive surgical, diagnostic or therapeutic methods and/or techniques, in particular methods and/or techniques for a mammalian throat. In particular embodiments, a dexterity apparatus including one or more dexterity devices is featured, where each of the dexterity devices comprises surgical tools and each is configured and arranged with end-tip dexterity for enhanced manipulation. A portion of the dexterity devices is snake like, which is re-configurable (i.e., can be bent) so as to in effect maneuver the surgical tool and put the tool in a desired position with respect to the surgical site. Another portion of the dexterity device includes the surgical tool thereby providing the capability of performing surgical actions such as sewing, gripping, soft tissue manipulation, cutting and suction of saliva, blood and other materials from the surgical site.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.