Patent ID: 7918845
Filing Date: 2011-04-05
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for manipulating tissue, comprising: an end effector having first and second arm members each adapted to be flexible along its length and further adapted to be endoscopically deployed, the first and second arm members defining a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second arm members; and an actuating mechanism including at least one tensioning member that is adapted to be tensioned to reconfigure at least the first or second arm member such that tissue is engaged between the arm members; wherein at least one of the first and second arm members has a first distal section comprising a first plurality of links, and a second distal section comprising a second plurality of links, with said first distal section being located proximally of said second distal section; wherein said first distal section is configured to deflect substantially away from the longitudinal axis and said second distal section is configured to deflect substantially toward the longitudinal axis upon application of an axial force on said at least one tensioning member.