Patent ID: 9655637
Date: 2017-05-23
CPC Classifications: A61B

Claim:
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: an elongated shaft including a proximal portion defining a longitudinal axis and a distal portion including at least one articulation joint configured to allow articulation of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion; at least one tensile member extending longitudinally through the elongated shaft and operably coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft such that movement of the at least one tensile member articulates the distal portion of the elongated shaft relative to the proximal portion of the elongated shaft; and a locking mechanism positioned proximally of and directly adjacent the at least one articulation joint, the locking mechanism operatively associated with the at least one tensile member to selectively impede movement thereof, which, in turn, impedes articulation of the distal portion of the elongated shaft relative to the proximal portion of the elongated shaft, the locking mechanism including: a collet disposed radially about the at least one tensile member; and a collet clamp including a void defined therein, wherein receipt of the collet into the void induces radial compression of the collet to engage the at least one tensile member and impede movement of the at least one tensile member through the collet thereby impeding articulation of the distal portion of the elongated shaft relative to the proximal portion of the elongated shaft, and wherein withdrawal of the collet from the void induces radial expansion of the collet such that the collet releases the at least one tensile member thereby permitting movement of the at least one tensile member through the collet to allow articulation of the distal portion of the elongated shaft relative to the proximal portion of the elongated shaft.