Patent ID: 9393036
Filing Date: 2016-07-19
CPC Classification: A61B,F16C

Claim Text:
1. A manipulator, comprising: a shaft having a proximal end and a curved distal end, the distal end of the shaft having a manipulation device; a transmission element positioned in the shaft for transmitting at least one of a force and a motion between the proximal end and the distal end of the shaft; and a guide insert positioned in the shaft for guiding the transmission element, such that the transmission element is configured to slide with respect to the guide insert in a longitudinal direction of the shaft, the guide insert including alternating support sections and flexible sections in its longitudinal direction throughout the length of the shaft, the support sections having a cross-section that includes at least one flattened area or at least one groove, the flexible sections allowing for bending of the guide insert; wherein at least part of the support sections are contiguous with an interior wall of the shaft, and whereby the flexible sections have cross-sections that are smaller than an internal cross-section of the shaft; wherein irrigation openings are defined between the support sections and the interior wall of the shaft; and wherein the irrigation openings permit an irrigation fluid to flow therethrough in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.