Adjustable stiffener for surgical instruments
Inventors
Chen, Bill • Chon, James Y. • Underwood, John R.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12714599-B2
Publication Date
2026-08-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure generally relates to microsurgical instruments having variable stiffness such as microsurgical instruments having variable stiffness for ophthalmic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a probe and a stiffener assembly. The stiffener assembly further includes a stiffener formed of a hollow tubular member substantially surrounding at least a portion of a length of the probe. Actuation of the stiffener along the length of the probe adjusts the stiffness of the probe, thus providing a user better control of the surgical instrument.
Core Innovation
The described surgical instrument includes a probe and a hollow tubular stiffener slidably coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of the probe. A control member moves the stiffener along the probe through a rod and coupling arm. In the principal arrangement, the control member moves in a linear channel, and the rod is parallel to the probe while the coupling arm is nonparallel to it.
The partial content also describes channel features for preset rigidity positions and locking, along with alternative actuation arrangements. Advancing the stiffener is described as increasing probe rigidity, while retraction leaves a majority of the tubular member within the base unit. The background section is not included in the supplied content, so the problem identified there is not explicitly described.
Claims Coverage
The claim coverage includes three inventive features relating to a base unit, probe, sliding tubular stiffener, and control mechanism.
Tubular stiffener surrounding the probe
A hollow tubular stiffener is slidably coupled to and surrounds at least a portion of the probe, and moves along the probe's length.
Control mechanism for moving the stiffener
A control member coupled to the stiffener moves along a linear channel and actuates a rod oriented parallel to the probe and a coupling arm oriented nonparallel to the probe.
Stiffener retracted within the base unit
In the fully retracted position, a majority of the hollow tubular member is retracted within the base unit.
The claim covers a surgical instrument wherein a linear-channel control member moves a hollow tubular stiffener along a probe through a rod and coupling arm, with refinements addressing probe rigidity, control forms, preset positions, and locking.
Stated Advantages
The stiffener adjusts probe rigidity and improves control.
The instrument is described as enabling access to a wider range of tissues while retaining small-gauge benefits.
Documented Applications
The instrument is described for small-gauge ophthalmic procedures, including vitrectomy.
The instrument is also described for other minimally invasive surgery.
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