Selective stiffening devices and methods
US9066655B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/00147
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and devices are provided for selectively stiffening a surgical device. In one exemplary embodiment a surgical device is provided that includes a flexible elongate insertion element and a stiffening element that extends along at least a portion of the insertion element. The insertion element can be, for example, an endoscope or a sheath configured to be disposed over an endoscope. The stiffening element can be configured to selectively stiffen when an outside force, such as a vacuum force, is applied thereto. In one embodiment the stiffening element includes a plurality of elongate members disposed in a flexible sheath. When the vacuum force is applied, the sheath can be configured to engage the elongate members to maintain the elongate members in a fixed, stiffened position, thereby stiffening at least a portion of the flexible elongate insertion element coupled thereto. Various methods for stiffening an insertion instrument, such as an endoscope, are also provided herein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.