Flexible hollow shaft for a medical instrument

US8672921B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Andreas Efinger · Münsingen, DE
• Rainer Hermle · Spaichingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2007
• Grant date: Mar 18, 2014
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2217/007
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A flexible shaft to be received in a curved shank of a medical instrument has a hollow shaft having a wall with cuttings therein such that said hollow shaft can also transmit rotary forces in a curved state. Said hollow shaft has a proximal end for coupling to a drive mechanism of a medical instrument and a distal end on which a tool is arranged. In view of tension relief a body extending through an inside of said hollow shaft from said distal end to said proximal end is provided, said body is flexible but is axially inextensible and axially incompressible. In terms of pressure relief said distal end of said hollow shaft is provided with a limit stop which interacts with a limit stop on said medical instrument in such a way that a compression of said hollow shaft beyond a certain extend is blocked.