Control interface for laparoscopic suturing instrument
US9814457B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2034/302
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and a drive assembly. The end effector comprises needle receiving arms operable to grasp a needle. The drive assembly comprises drive members that are rotatable about respective drive axes that are perpendicular to the axis of the shaft assembly. The drive assembly is operable to drive the needle receiving arms to selectively engage and disengage the needle; and to selectively pass the needle from one needle receiving arm to the other needle receiving arm. The drive assembly provides an interface to a controller that is operable via a remote user interface. The drive assembly may include helical gears, clutch assemblies, a rack and pinion, or other components to convert motion of the drive members into motion at the end effector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.