Multifunctional surgical instrument with flexible end effector tools
US9381004B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1432
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical tool having proximal and distal ends and adapted to transverse a curved passageway comprises an end effector disposed on the distal end of the surgical tool, the end effector having a first body section and a second body section and a releasable connector joining the end effector first body section with the end effector second body section. The connector is operable to reversibly engage the first and second end effector body sections in a first fixed position and in a second movable position. The surgical tool further comprises an actuation device for moving the first and second end effector body sections from the first fixed position to the second movable position. The end effector is adapted to maneuver through a larger radius of curvature in the second movable position than in the first fixed position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.