Patent ID: 7708758
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A medical instrument comprising: a proximal control handle; a distal work member; a proximal movable member controlled from said proximal control handle; a distal movable member controlled from said proximal movable member to provide controlled movement of said distal work member via said proximal and distal movable members; an instrument shaft that intercouples said proximal and distal movable members; and actuation means coupled between said movable members; a ball and socket assembly that includes a ball member pivotally retained by a socket defined in said proximal control handle and constructed and arranged for three dimensional motion relative to the socket; said proximal movable member controlled by the ball member for three dimensional motion therewith; said movable members both comprising bendable members and further including a rotation knob coupled to at least one of the proximal bendable member and the instrument shaft; said rotation knob controlling the rotation of the proximal bendable member and, in turn, the instrument shaft, distal bendable member and distal work member; wherein the internal cavity of the ball member comprises a conical cavity that provides a conical space in which the proximal bendable member is pivotable to enable the three dimensional motion.