Articulating needle driver
US9113861B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2926
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A needle holder includes a shaft and a needle driver located at the distal end of the shaft. The needle driver is operable to rotate a needle such that the needle forms a non-perpendicular angle with a longitudinal axis of the shaft. In some versions, the needle driver includes a first arm and a rotatable assembly that is configured to longitudinally clamp about a portion of a needle. The rotatable assembly may include self-righting features to right the needle perpendicular to the first arm. The needle driver may further include a second arm that is pivotable relative to the first arm. The rotatable assembly may include a top member associated with the second arm and a bottom member associated with the first arm. In some versions, spring-loaded collets may secure the needle to a rotatable assembly. Alternatively, a pair of actuating arms may pivot the needle about a curved surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.