Patent ID: 8740884
Filing Date: 2014-06-03
Classification: A61B,A61M,B25J,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An instrument for endoscopic applications, comprising: a multi-layered elongated tubular body having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being a handling end portion, and actuating means being disposed at the second end portion, the second end portion being an actuating end portion, and the elongated tubular body having longitudinal elements configured to translate a deflection of the actuating means to a related deflection of the handling end portion, wherein the handling end portion comprises at least two independent flexible portions, wherein a number of the actuating means of the actuating end portion is equal to a number of the independent flexible portions of the handling end portion, each actuating means being associated with a set of longitudinal elements, wherein each actuating means is connected by the set of longitudinal elements associated therewith to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a related deflection of one of the flexible portions, wherein the elongated tubular body comprises at least one cylindrical intermediate layer which has a number of longitudinal slits defining at least one set of longitudinal elements, wherein the longitudinal elements are formed by remaining parts of the intermediate layer; wherein the actuating means comprise a tubular section containing a number of alternating flexible and rigid zones, and wherein each set of longitudinal elements connects one of the rigid zones with a part of the handling end portion.