Flexible laparoscopic device
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8419720-B1
Publication Date
2013-04-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
A laparoscopic device that includes an outer rod having a end connected to a handle and an end having an articulated section formed from links joined with non-diametrical hinges; an actuation rod within the outer rod, having an end connected to the handle and an end connected to a tension element within the articulated section, configured to cause the articulated section to bend when tension is applied; and an attachment rod within the actuation rod having an end connected to the handle and an end having a flexible section connected to a tool. The handle includes an actuator configured to apply tension to the attachment rod such that the tool is activated; a rod actuator configured to apply tension to the actuation rod such that the articulated section of the outer rod bends; and a lockable rotator, configured to rotate the outer rod with respect to the handle.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a modular flexible laparoscopic device comprising an outer rod with a flanged proximal end connected to an actuating handle and a distal end having an articulated section formed from a plurality of links joined with non-diametrical hinges. The non-diametrical hinges are configured to have a greater angular range in a first direction than in an opposite direction. The links are cylindrical, having end surfaces perpendicular to a central link axis and parallel to one another.
An actuation rod is disposed within the outer rod, with a proximal end connected to the actuating handle and a distal end connected to a tension element disposed within the articulated section of the outer rod. The actuation rod is configured to cause an angular displacement of the articulated section when tension is applied. The actuating handle includes a rod actuator configured to apply tension to the actuation rod to produce the angular displacement.
The device further includes an attachment rod disposed within the actuation rod, having a proximal end connected to the actuating handle and a distal end connected to a tool and having a flexible section. The actuating handle includes a tool actuator configured to apply tension to the attachment rod such that the tool is activated. A lockable rotator is configured to rotate the outer rod with respect to the actuating handle, and a removable safety knob holds the outer rod, the actuation rod, and the attachment rod to the actuating handle by holding the flanged proximal end of the outer rod.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims are clm-00001 and clm-00013. Both claims cover a flexible laparoscopic device architecture using non-diametrical hinges that provide asymmetric angular range, internal tensioning via an actuation rod to angularly displace the articulated section, and a separate attachment rod tensioned by a tool actuator to activate a tool; clm-00001 additionally recites a lockable rotator for rotating the outer rod with respect to the actuating handle.
Asymmetric articulated distal section formed by non-diametrical hinges
An outer rod has a distal articulated section formed from a plurality of links joined with non-diametrical hinges configured to have a greater angular range in a first direction than in an opposite direction, with cylindrical links having end surfaces perpendicular to a central link axis and parallel to one another.
Internal actuation rod tensioning an articulated-section tension element
An actuation rod disposed within the outer rod has a proximal end connected to the actuating handle and a distal end connected to a tension element disposed within the articulated section, configured to cause an angular displacement of the articulated section when tension is applied.
Separate attachment rod tensioning for tool activation
An attachment rod disposed within the actuation rod has a proximal end connected to the actuating handle and a distal end having a flexible section and being connected to a tool, wherein a tool actuator applies tension to the attachment rod such that the tool is activated.
Actuating handle with rod actuator and removable safety knob
The actuating handle includes a rod actuator configured to apply tension to the actuation rod such that the articulated section of the outer rod undergoes an angular displacement, and a removable safety knob configured to hold the outer rod and the actuation rod to the actuating handle by holding the flanged proximal end of the outer rod to the actuating handle.
Lockable rotator for rotating the outer rod relative to the handle
An actuating handle comprises a lockable rotator configured to rotate the outer rod with respect to the actuating handle.
Across clm-00001 and clm-00013, the claim coverage centers on an outer rod with a distal articulated section using non-diametrical hinges that provide greater angular range in one direction, internal actuation via an actuation rod and a tension element to angularly displace the articulated section, and a separate attachment rod tensioned to activate a connected tool; clm-00001 further adds a lockable rotator for relative rotation between the outer rod and the actuating handle.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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